A New Green Legacy – 25 Hectare Herbal Farm Inaugurated at Vandazhi, Palakkad

Palakkad has taken a major step forward in sustainable agriculture and rural enterprise with the inauguration of a sprawling 25-hectare medicinal herb farm in the Vandazhi panchayat, Alathur constituency. This landmark initiative falls under the Nira project and promises to boost both local employment and Kerala’s reputation as a hub for natural medicinal resources. The herbal farm was formally inaugurated by KD Prassannan MLA, who planted the very first saplings in the farmland owned by noted herbal farmer AK Sreenivasan. The project spans seven local panchayats, reflecting a collective approach to land utilization and agri-innovation.

The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vandazhi panchayat president KL Ramesh, Oushadhi chairperson Shobana George, State Medicinal Plant Board CEO TK Hridik, and Krishi officers KV Vineesh Kumar and Regin Ram. Their presence underlined the importance of this project not just for Palakkad, but for the development of herbal cultivation across the state.

Why This Matters

Expansive and Diverse: With 25 hectares devoted exclusively to herbal crops, the farm is set to become one of the largest herbal cultivation initiatives in the district.

Scientific Support: Backing from agencies like Oushadhi (Kerala’s renowned Ayurvedic pharma producer) and the State Medicinal Plant Board ensures scientific know-how guides every step from plant selection to processing.

Community Involvement: By bringing together multiple panchayats and local farmers, the project empowers the rural community, inspires youth involvement, and demonstrates successful public-private partnerships.

Medicinal Heritage: The herbs grown here will supply the Ayurveda industry, promote organic wellness, and help conserve traditional medicinal plants at risk due to habitat loss.

At the inauguration, speakers praised local farmers like AK Sreenivasan for their dedication and highlighted Vandazhi’s potential as a model for medicinal plant farming. Panchayat president KR Ramesh spoke about blending innovation with tradition. Other dignitaries, including panchayat leaders and agricultural experts, stressed the need to diversify crops, secure sustainable incomes, and protect agricultural biodiversity. As global demand for natural remedies and herbal products grows, projects like this position Palakkad at the forefront of the herbal and Ayurvedic value chain. The Vandazhi herbal farm not only provides economic opportunity for local growers; it helps preserve Kerala’s unique green heritage, absorbs local labor, and can inspire similar ventures across India.

Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/07/27/alathur-medicinal-herb-farm-inauguration.html