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Exports of Ashwagandha Surge Eightfold in Six Years, Driven by Global Demand

Exports of Ashwagandha, the revered Indian herb also known as "Indian Ginseng", have surged by a remarkable eightfold over the past six years, reaching global markets such as the United States, Czech Republic, Canada and Europe. This significant growth reflects the increasing worldwide interest in traditional herbal remedies and the rising prominence of Ashwagandha as a sought-after health supplement.

According to the Ministry of Ayush, India is the top producer and exporter of Ashwagandha, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh emerging as leading producers of the herb. Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera or Winter Cherry, has gained global recognition for its purported health benefits, particularly in the area of stress management. ¹

"In the last six years, there has been eight times growth in the export of Ashwagandha. It is one of the most sought-after health supplements and is exported to over 60 countries," said Rajesh Kotecha, secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, during an event organized by the Gujarat Ayurved Aushadh Manufacturers Association (GAAMA). ¹

The surge in Ashwagandha exports aligns with the broader trend of integrating traditional medicine with modern research methodologies. The Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with reputable institutions, such as the London School of Traditional Medicine and Hygiene, to study Ashwagandha's potential in addressing COVID-19. These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to exploring the medicinal properties of this ancient herb further. ²

The Ayurvedic industry in India has been experiencing remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%. The industry size has increased from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today. To ensure quality and transparency, the government has also initiated the development of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards for Ayurvedic products and services. ^{2 3}

Ashwagandha, a revered herb in traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani, is an erect undershrub that thrives in dry and sub-tropical regions. The herb is renowned for its hardiness and ability to withstand drought, making it a valuable crop in areas like Madhya Pradesh, where it is cultivated over an expanse of 5,000 hectares. ^{1 4}

The estimated annual production of Ashwagandha roots in India exceeds 1,500 tonnes, while the demand surpasses 7,000 tonnes annually, underscoring the need to boost cultivation and enhance production. Medicinally, Ashwagandha is revered as a premier rejuvenating agent in Ayurveda, with its roots, seeds, and leaves finding applications in a range of Ayurvedic and Unani formulations. ⁴

Despite challenges, the Ayurvedic sector in India continues to witness significant growth, contributing substantially to the country's economy and global trade. The surge in Ashwagandha exports is a testament to the increasing international recognition of traditional Indian herbs and the government's efforts to promote their medicinal potential.

NaturMed Scientific is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium ashwagandha, sourced primarily from Madhya Pradesh, India. Renowned for its commitment to quality, NaturMed Scientific holds certifications from ISO series, Kosher, and Halal. The company excels in the identification, development, and production of botanical extracts and derivatives, ensuring that their Ashwagandha meets the highest standards of purity and efficacy for global markets