Searching for Herbal CERPA?
Go to: www.cerpaindia.org/.

 

The Main Objectives of This Web Portal:

• Providing plant related details in terms of botanical and chemical properties. In addition, providing relevant economic data such as availability, price, demand exports / imports etc.
• Providing pertinent information about the producers, and producers / manufacturers of herbal products, with their company's size, amount of products and such other details they may wish to have on this website.

 

We also want to provide information about:

• Importers and exporters of herbal plants and products available in India as well as abroad;
• Herbal Gardens
• The research and training organizations who are currently working in the area of herbal plants/products, along with their capabilities and interests'
• Extension service providers with their areas of specialization
• Relevent herbal related testing laboratories with their specializations and capabilities
• Other information which may be of interest to various parties in the herbal sector marketplace.

 

We want to facilitate e-marketing of medicinal plants and herbal products by:

• Bringing together providers/ collectors of medicinal and herbal plants and their buyers both in India and abroad
• Linking manufacturers of herbal products with potential buyers both in India and abroad.

To present such other information as be of interest to various collaborator such as Central and State level medicinal plant Boards, NABARD and other banking institutions, Centre and State Institutes working in herbal sector marketplace, various associations of manufacturers of herbal products, collectors and cultivators of plants, companies who transport and market herbal plants, machinery and equipment manufacturers catering to herbal plants growers and the companies who produce herbal products, and similar other particioants with interests in the development of herbal sector.

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An Article of Interest

Uttaranchal Reads a Path Less Traveled
Source:
20th December 2003
The Hindu

Selling organic farming to cultivators is child's play compared to making inroads into the export market. The team steering Uttaranchal into the 'organic' zone knows this. So, even as it courts foreign buyers and takes small steps into that market, Binita Shah of Uttaranchai Organic

Commodities Board is clear that the initial focus is the domestic market. "We are not running to foreign markets at the moment," says Shah. "We are focusing on the domestic market and have tied up with agencies." For instance, within six months, 2,000 families in Delhi could be joining 'box schemes'-getting a range of organic items, with some others thrown in, at a small premium. At a small level, sales have already taken off in Bangalore. Fab India and KVIC have shown interest. Brand promotion, rather than the premium, is the focus right now.

State chief secretary R. S. Tolia accepts that his state is inflicting on itself a harsher regime of agricultural production, with benchmarks on quality and food safety that can be difficult to maintain. Within the state, the four month old Board is pushing an internal control system. The most difficult task, however, will be external inspection by international accredited agencies to get the prized organic certification, which could yield a premium on crops.

Uttaranchal has tied up with the Institute for Market ecology, which offers verification and certification services. Given the fragmentation of land holdings-the average being 0.5 hectares- individual farmers can't hope to make a difference in production or pay for certification which can be as much as Rs. 2,000 to 3,000 a day, apart from travel costs and documentation. So, there is a need to look at regions, not farmers, to get viable production numbers. And, naturally thereafter, look at the concept of group certification. About 1,650 farmers have been put through the external inspection, says Shah. But whether group certification would eventually be acceptable in a market like Europe remains to be seen. For the moment, there is buyer support-and assistance-for a transition phase, certification, import procedures and other barriers. About 40 tons of rice is heading to Germany. There is a proposal from Japan on millet for baby food. "We expect the impact to show in 2005," says Shabo But there is a lot to do.

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ABOUT CERPA

The Center for Research, Planning & Action (CERPA) was established in 1972 and registered in 1978. CERPA is a Research, Training & Consultancy Organization. CERPA is accredited to UNECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) and is approved by UNESCAP Centre of Excellence for Human Resource Development and Training.

The Centre is a Research, Training & Consultancy Organization recognized by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India as an R & D Institution. CERPA is accredited to UNECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) and an approved UNESCAP Centre of Excellence in HRD.

The Centre is covered u/s 12 (A) of Income Tax Act! as a Trust, u/s 35 (i) (iii) of Indian Income Tax Act as a Research and Development Organization and under Foreign contribution Regulation Act, 1976 (FCRA) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India by which it has prior permission of the GOI to receive grants from organizations/agencies abroad interested in its objectives.

CERPA is member of the CDC (Consultancy Development Centre), sponsored and supported by DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research), Govt. of India.

CERPA is also a permanent member of Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI) New Delhi, an association of about 100 Universities and 120 Research Institutions.

 

OBJECTIVES

The broad objectives of CERPA are to conduct social science research, provide consultancy on developmental issues, help other **NGOs in Action research and provide policy inputs in HRD/ Welfare/ other social issues. It also provides charitable services to disadvantaged and poor of the country by taking up project implementation at grass root level either, directly or through local NGOs.

This includes:

• Undertaking research and evaluation studies on socio-economic issues;
• Preparing and implementing action projects and try out innovations in field through experimental action programs;
• Providing consultancy on matters of program management;
• Undertaking educational / training activities and assist in effective implementation of developmental programs;
• Helping identify vulnerable groups through charitable activities such as - education, medical relief, credit financing and other acts of general public utility and welfare, including support by way of income generating activities.

 

**A non-governmental organization (NGO) is an organization that is neither a part of a government nor a conventional for-profit business. The organization is usually set up by ordinary citizens. NGOs may be funded by governments, foundations, businesses, or private persons.
Wikipedia

 

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More Background on HerbalCERPA.org

Herbal medicine has played an integral role in human health for centuries, and platforms such as HerbalCERPA.org have helped bring ancient knowledge into the digital age. Though the website is no longer active, its influence in promoting India’s herbal product industry cannot be overlooked. HerbalCERPA.org was a significant part of the global push to make herbal remedies accessible and to promote the ethical trade of medicinal plants and herbs. This article explores the history, cultural significance, audience, and broader impact of Herbal CERPA’s mission to bring herbal knowledge and commerce to a worldwide audience.

A Brief History of HerbalCERPA.org

Herbal CERPA emerged in the early 2000s during a time when the global herbal product market was expanding rapidly. India's herbal traditions, particularly those rooted in Ayurveda, a holistic healing system that dates back thousands of years, were becoming more prominent internationally. During this period, the demand for herbal products in international markets surged, and there was a need for a platform that could connect local producers with foreign buyers.

The early 21st century saw a revival of interest in herbal and alternative medicine in Western countries, partly due to growing concerns about synthetic pharmaceuticals and their side effects. This resurgence made platforms like HerbalCERPA.org increasingly relevant. The site helped to promote herbal products, providing key data on the producers, availability, pricing, and market demand. Furthermore, it emphasized scientific research and testing of products, aiming to meet international standards and ensure the safety and efficacy of the herbs being marketed.

The Cultural and Social Significance of Herbal Products

The significance of herbal medicine cannot be overstated, especially in the context of India's long-standing tradition of plant-based healing. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, has been using herbs to treat various ailments for over 3,000 years. Plants like Neem, Tulsi, and Ashwagandha have gained global recognition for their medicinal properties. Herbal CERPA played a pivotal role in promoting this cultural heritage by acting as a bridge between small-scale producers and international markets.

Many herbs used in traditional Indian medicine have both cultural and spiritual significance. For example, Neem is not only used for its antibacterial properties but also holds a sacred status in Hinduism. Similarly, Tulsi is revered in many Indian households as a plant that purifies and heals. Herbal CERPA, by providing a platform for these products, helped to preserve and promote this cultural legacy on a global scale.

In addition to health benefits, the platform also supported sustainable practices. Many herbs are grown in rural parts of India by small farmers who rely on traditional methods that are environmentally friendly. HerbalCERPA.org helped these communities by giving them access to a broader audience, thus promoting sustainable agriculture alongside herbal medicine.

Impact on the Herbal Medicine Market

The website’s main contribution was in facilitating the export of Indian herbal products to international buyers. This was a crucial development for India's growing herbal industry, which had previously struggled to reach global markets due to a lack of access and visibility. By offering a space for manufacturers to showcase their products, HerbalCERPA.org helped to create an efficient supply chain that connected local producers with international customers.

Beyond simple e-commerce, the site offered vital information about the chemical properties of various herbs, as well as research and testing data. This transparency made it easier for international buyers to trust the quality of Indian herbal products. Many international buyers are cautious about sourcing products from unfamiliar markets, and Herbal CERPA’s emphasis on research and testing provided a level of assurance that was crucial for its success.

Audience and Reach

HerbalCERPA.org primarily catered to two key audiences: local Indian producers and international buyers. For the former, the platform provided much-needed exposure and an opportunity to reach global markets, which was otherwise difficult for many small-scale producers. Many of these producers lacked the technical expertise and marketing resources to advertise their products abroad, making HerbalCERPA.org an invaluable tool.

For international buyers, the platform offered an efficient way to source herbal products directly from India. Given the growing popularity of herbal remedies in the U.S. and Europe during the 2000s, Herbal CERPA helped meet the increasing demand for natural products, from medicinal plants to essential oils and cosmetics. Its wide reach and the ease of connecting with reliable producers made it a go-to resource for many businesses looking to expand into herbal and alternative medicine markets.

Known for and Lasting Legacy

HerbalCERPA.org became known for its commitment to both promoting Indian herbal medicine and ensuring that small producers benefitted from global trade. Unlike many other platforms that focus purely on sales, Herbal CERPA had an ethical mission, placing importance on sustainability and helping grassroots-level producers gain recognition.

The legacy of HerbalCERPA.org lies in its contribution to promoting ethical trade in the herbal sector. By focusing on research and development, transparency, and providing a platform for small producers, the website contributed significantly to elevating the status of India's herbal products in international markets. This influence is still seen today, as the global herbal market continues to grow, with many of the same principles that Herbal CERPA advocated for—such as transparency, research, and sustainability—still being prioritized.

Examples of Impactful Products

Several plants and herbs that were promoted on the site have become globally recognized products. For instance, Aloe vera, a plant known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, has seen widespread use in both the beauty and pharmaceutical industries. Similarly, Ashwagandha, known for its stress-relieving properties, is now a staple in health supplements across the world. The platform's detailed product descriptions and research data made it easier for international buyers to see the potential in these plants.

HerbalCERPA.org may no longer be active, but its impact on the herbal product market continues to resonate. The site played a crucial role in bridging traditional herbal practices with modern commerce, helping to promote sustainable practices and connecting small producers with international buyers. Its emphasis on research, transparency, and ethical trade practices has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the global herbal product industry.