Kochi, November 19 (IANS). Kerala has set a target of investing Rs 1,000 crore in the Ayurveda sector ahead of the Invest Kerala Global Summit to be held in February.
Industries Minister P. Rajeev made this announcement at the regional meeting on ‘Ayurveda and Pharmaceuticals’ organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) here as a preparation for next year’s summit.
He interacted with Ayurveda entrepreneurs and sought support from stakeholders and their associations to achieve the target. When entrepreneurs called for setting up institutes to teach non-degree courses in the sector, the Minister assured that such courses are certain to be approved.
He said that it would not be difficult to get the courses approved for pharmacists and therapists.
“There are immense opportunities for investment in the Ayurveda sector in Kerala. The Industries Department will provide all possible assistance to entrepreneurs to overcome practical difficulties,” the minister said.
Rajiv further said, “With the advent of modern technology, most of the jobs are going to the Ayurvedic sector. Hence, this sector can generate employment opportunities. Ayurveda is one such sector, where the local community can find employment.”
The experts participating in the meeting appreciated the support given by the State Government to safeguard the credibility of Ayurveda, all agreed that innovation and modern technology should be integrated into Ayurveda without compromising the traditional and heritage elements.
Over the years, the mainstay of Kerala tourism has been the extremely popular Ayurveda packages being offered across the state, especially where there are large numbers of tourists.
Incidentally, Ayurveda was the most discussed topic at the Kerala Tourism Mart (held here last month), the extremely popular signature event of Kerala Tourism every second year. It was highly appreciated as a tourism product.
Tour operators from Russia and Europe, after seeing the spread of Ayurveda product being offered in Kerala, have promised to promote such packages in their countries.
–IANS
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