Shortage of Medicinal Plants Hits Ayurvedic Medicine Production, Say Experts

India’s Ayurvedic sector, one of the world’s oldest traditional healthcare systems, is facing a growing crisis as experts warn of a severe shortage of key medicinal plants essential for manufacturing classical formulations. The crunch, they say, is already affecting production volumes and could threaten the long-term stability of the industry if not addressed immediately.

According to Ayurveda practitioners, forest botanists, and industry insiders, the scarcity is the result of overharvesting, climate-driven habitat loss, declining wild biodiversity, and inadequate cultivation efforts. The demand for herbal products has risen sharply in recent years, but the supply of raw plant materials has not kept pace.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

Specialists point out that nearly 85% of Ayurvedic raw drugs are still sourced from the wild, not farms. With forests shrinking and many species on the brink of endangerment, wild collection has become increasingly unsustainable.
“Plants like Ashwagandha, Sarpgandha, Jatamansi, and Vayuvidanga have become difficult to source consistently,” said an industry expert. “Prices have doubled or even tripled in the last few years.”

Climate change has made the situation worse, with erratic rains, rising temperatures, and soil degradation affecting the natural growth cycles of many herbs.

Impact on AYUSH Manufacturers

Ayurvedic medicine producers say the shortage is leading to multiple challenges:

• Inconsistent supply chains forcing companies to reduce production batches.

• Rising raw material prices, increasing the overall cost of drug manufacturing.

• Risk of adulteration, as low-quality or substitute plants enter the market.

• Delays in fulfilling hospital and retail orders, especially for commonly used formulations.

Some small-scale manufacturers have even reported temporary suspension of production for specific medicines due to non-availability of critical herbs.

Experts Call for Immediate Action

Industry experts warn that unless the government, farmers, and AYUSH manufacturers act together, India may soon face a large-scale crisis in Ayurvedic drug supply.

Key suggestions include:

• Large-scale cultivation of medicinal plants using scientific farming techniques.

• Setting up medicinal plant clusters in states with suitable climatic conditions.

• Strengthening conservation programs in forest regions to revive endangered species.

• Better regulation of herb collection to prevent overharvesting and black-market activity.

Academicians also call for training farmers and entrepreneurs to grow high-demand herbs using sustainable methods, ensuring both quality and volume.

A Crisis — but Also an Opportunity

Despite the challenges, experts believe this shortage could become a turning point for India’s herbal industry. With global interest in natural and traditional medicine increasing, systematic cultivation and smart supply-chain planning could help India become a reliable herbal hub for the world.

For now, though, Ayurvedic manufacturers continue to navigate an increasingly tight raw-material market — one that threatens the availability and affordability of traditional medicines relied upon by millions.