Launch 'One Village, One Medicinal Plant' campaign: UP Governor to farmers

Gorakhpur: Speaking at the inauguration of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, the first AYUSH university of Uttar Pradesh, Governor Anandiben Patel called on farmers to initiate ‘One Village, One Medicinal Plant' campaign to boost herbal farming and rural income.

The Governor emphasized that the newly launched university would serve as a major centre for Ayurveda in Purvanchal. She encouraged farmers in villages surrounding the campus to cultivate specific medicinal plants, noting that different villages could specialize in different herbs, promoting diversity and ensuring better marketability. Such efforts, she said, would not only generate economic benefits but also contribute to the production of safe, side effect-free medicines.

Stressing the importance of inclusive healthcare, the Governor called for Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments to reach all sections of society. She proposed leveraging Anganwadi centres as distribution points for herbal remedies, with the active participation of doctors, social workers, and public representatives. "Despite advancements in modern medicine, we must ask whether every individual truly has access to healthcare," she noted.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu', and university Vice-Chancellor Prof K Ramachandra Reddy also spoke on the occasion. Agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, and local MLA Mahendra Pal Singh were present, among others.

Speaking at the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, including an academic block, auditorium, Panchakarma centre, and the foundation laying of a new girls' hostel, the Governor called the progress "a source of inspiration for the entire nation." She said the institution has emerged as a powerful confluence of education, healthcare, and public service.

Governor Patel said MGUG, established in less than four years, reflects the spiritual legacy of the Nath sect's founder. "This is not just construction work, but a bold step towards empowerment that will positively shape future generations," she remarked.