Intended to mainstream Ayurveda as Kerala’s authentic system of medicine and create more awareness of this age-old system, tax concession on Ayurveda medicines has been considered by Kerala Government. Ayurveda has been identified as one of the key sectors of growth and innovation for Kerala, and the government has selected seven specific areas within Ayurveda that need to be nurtured and developed, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said. He was inaugurating an international business meet held as part of the Global Ayurveda Fest.

The authentic Ayurveda system of medicine has a lot to offer in the management of lifestyle diseases. But there is little public awareness of this side of Ayurveda, and there is a lot of quackery in this area. It will be our attempt to bring before the people the potential of Ayurveda medicine in the control and treatment of non-communicable diseases

Another important programme in connection with ayurveda is the purification of water through ayurvedic methods

Mr. Chandy said Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information, Infrastructure, and Innovations, had during his visit to the State recently suggested to the Cabinet 10 focus areas of development, one of which was Ayurveda. Mr. Pitroda had pointed out that Ayurveda held great potential for Kerala, for its health-care needs and for economic growth.

Scarcity of medicinal plants was one of the biggest problems that the Ayurveda sector faced. The government was contemplating legislation that a certain part of land on estates be set aside for cultivation of medicinal plants, Mr. Chandy said.

Kerala had the potential to contribute to the development of authentic and good quality Ayurveda products while promoting the curative side of Ayurveda through setting up of wellness centres and spas. The growth of the Ayurveda sector could contribute towards employment generation and revenue generation.