The primary functions of NMPB is to develop a proper mechanism for co-ordination between various ministries/ departments/ organization and implementation of support policies/programs for overall (conservation, cultivation, trade and export) growth of medicinal plants sector in the following areas:
- Advise concerned Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations/ State/ UT Governments on policy matters relating to schemes and programs for development of medicinal plants.
- Provide guidance in the formulation of proposals, schemes and programs etc. to be taken-up by agencies having access to land for cultivation and infrastructure for collection, storage and transportation of medicinal plants.
- Assessment of demand / supply position relating to medicinal plants both within the country and abroad.
- Identification, Inventorisation and Quantification of medicinal plants.
- Promotion of in-situ / ex-situ conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants.
- Promotion of co-operative efforts among collectors and growers and assisting them to store, transport and market their produce effectively.
- Setting up of data-base system for inventorisation, dissemination of information and facilitating the prevention of Patents being obtained for medicinal use of plants which is in the public domain.
- Organize training programs for capacity building of stakeholders on medicinal plants (including cultivation, conservation, GAPs, GFCPs, GMPs, Storage, PHM and market information).
- Matters relating to import / export of raw material, as well as value added products either as medicine, food supplements or as herbal cosmetics including adoption of better techniques for marketing of product to increase their reputation for quality and reliability in the country and abroad.
- Undertaking and awarding Scientific, Technological research and cost-effectiveness studies.
- Development of protocols for cultivation and quality control.
- Encouraging the protection of patent rights and IPR.
