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National Herbal Fair-2007 : 7th Year of Astounding Success

The demand for natural and ayurvedic products is growing rapidly not only in the country but all over the world. The prohibitive costs of treatment for common ailments, harmful side effects of several drugs in current usage and development of resistance to currently used drugs by many pathogens have led to an increased dependence on plant based medicines.

MP State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Cooperative Federation is a pioneer agency involved in the livelihood aspects of forest dwellers for over 25 years. It has also been assisting farmers in cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Considering the importance of herbal products and the need for an interface for networking and marketing, MFP federation has been organizing herbal fairs for the last six years. The fairs well known as "Vindhya Herbals Rashtriya Van Mela (National Herbal Fair) received astounding acceptance from the people of Bhopal with the participation not only from the state but also from a no. of other states like Chhattisgarh , Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi.

This year the fair (Mela) was held between 11 and 16 Dec 2008 at Bittan Market, Dusshera Maidan Bhopal. The fair was aimed at informing general public about the quality and utility of herbal raw materials and processed products. It also played a vital role in extending the facilities for the publicity of ayurveda and traditional medicines. National Medicinal Plant Board, New Delhi, MP Government Forest department and MFP Federation were the joint sponsors of this mega event

 More than 250 stalls were made available to the traders, farmers and entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their products. Govt agencies like State Forest Research Institute, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Khadi Board, Handloom and Handcraft Board, MP Eco-tourism also made their presence at the fair.

The fair also had a no. of stalls selling ayurvedic medicines, herbal cosmetics, handicrafts, books and traditional food. In addition, big players like Dabur, Zandu, Baidynath, Deendayal also participated in the fair.

Through a magnificent exhibition, MP forest department displayed its history, mandates and activities along with the future plans, which received great response from the people. MP Minor Forest Federation also had its stall, which displayed all the areas in which where the organisation is working. In addition, the stall displaying Vindhya Herbals products was also a great crowd puller.

 Free checkup and consultation camp was organised during the fair. A team of more than 25 ayurvedic doctor/vaidyas and some renowed traditional healers from all across the state assembled and gave their consultation free of cost to more than 3000 people.

The Fair was inaugurated by Hon'ble Dr Balram Jakhad, H.E. the Governor of Madhya Pradesh on 11th December 2007. Hon'ble Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister MP graced the closing ceremony with his presence as the chief guest. Hon'ble Minister of Forests and Tribal Welfare, Kunwar Vijay Shah graced the inauguration as well as the closing ceremony. Hon'ble Finance Minister Shri Raghavji was present in the closing ceremony of the fair on 16th December 2007.