Dedicated OPD counters across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha,
Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy systems witnessed thousands availing themselves of free
medical consultations, health check-up, and authentic Ayush medicines at the
four-day National Arogya Fair 2026 which ended on February 28.
Organised by the Ministry of Ayush in
collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress in Shegaon, Buldhana
district, Maharashtra, the Fair inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed
India’s commitment to holistic healthcare and rural empowerment.
Live Yoga demonstrations and Yoga therapy
sessions drew crowd. Youth and students participated in yoga contests. The
Ayush Aahar segment promoting region-specific, balanced dietary practices
received positive response too.
The Ministry’s pavilion showcased the work
of its Research Councils, National Institutes and the National Medicinal Plants
Board (NMPB), presenting scientific research outcomes, public health
initiatives, academic programmes and digital outreach efforts. Interactive
displays on medicinal plants, herbal products and simple home-based remedies
attracted considerable interest, especially among rural visitors and self-help
groups.
A distinctive feature of the National
Arogya Fair 2026 was its focused engagement with farmers. Special sessions on
“Ayurvedic Farming: Production, Value Addition and Marketing” provided
technical guidance on medicinal plant cultivation, post-harvest management, and
assured market linkages. Approximately 2,000 farmers participated in the
dedicated workshop organised in coordination with agricultural institutions and
experts. The signing of multiple Letters of Intent, including a significant
buy-back arrangement for turmeric procurement, marked a concrete step towards
strengthening supply chains and ensuring remunerative returns to cultivators.
Farmers and participants from the Vidarbha
region expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that diversification
into medicinal plant cultivation offers a sustainable and profitable avenue
alongside conventional agriculture. Many described the Fair as a timely
intervention that connects healthcare advancement with income enhancement and
environmental sustainability.
