How MP’s unique Neemuch Herbal Mandi is turning nature into profit: Every part of plant fetching rich returns to farmers
The Neemuch Herbal Mandi of Madhya Pradesh has proven a boon for farmers who cultivate medicinal crops. This is the only trading yard of Mandi in the country where every part of a plant—thorns, flowers, leaves, peels, seeds, bark and roots—are sold fetching handsome remuneration to farmers.
They receive prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2 lakh per quintal for various medicinal crops. The fame of Neemuch Mandi has gone far and wide. Farmers from Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are now bringing their produce here.
Farmers rarely face disappointment
The market witnesses a steady influx of produce until the month of April, after which arrivals begin to taper off towards the last week of May. Farmers rarely face disappointment, as every variety of herbs and medicinal plant finds a buyer.
40 to 50 different types of medicinal plants are procured through an open auction
The main market complex houses 16 sheds. It is the only market where 40 to 50 different types of medicinal plants are procured through an open auction process. Furthermore, it stands as the single largest market in the country dedicated to the procurement of spice crops.
Nilesh Singh has been engaged in the cultivation of spice crops
Nilesh Patidar is a prominent farmer from Neemuch. He owns 45 acres of land and belongs to a big family comprising 12 members. He has been engaged in the cultivation of spice crops for the past two to three years.
He said that crops such as Isabgol (Psyllium husk), Iranian Akarkara, Chirata, Ajwain (Carom seeds), Quinoa, Chia seeds and Tulsi (Holy Basil) seeds fetch excellent prices. Garlic, too, commands good market rates.
Prahlad has received excellent prices for Ashwagandha and Akarkara seeds
Prahlad Singh resides in the village of Azampur Dodiya in the Ratlam district. He has received excellent prices for the Ashwagandha and Akarkara seeds he sold. Bidding at the Mandi takes place on time, and the produce is sold with ease; farmers face absolutely no inconvenience. The conduct of everyone at the Mandi is exemplary. The government has put in place excellent arrangements at the Mandi specifically for small and medium-scale farmers like us.
Crops command high prices
Pancham Singh, also a farmer from the same village, brings Ajwain (carom seeds) and Ashwagandha to the market. He receives immediate payment for his produce. He told0 that the reputation of this Mandi has now spread far and wide; farmers from Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh travel long distances to bring their produce here. Crops such as Isabgol, Ashwagandha, Kalonji, Shatavari, Safed Musli, Saffron, Sarpagandha and Akarkara roots command high prices, and there is a consistent, year-round demand for them.
A true boon for the farmers
Highlighting the unique features of the market, Mandi Secretary Umesh Basedia Sharma explains that the timely auction process, accurate weighing, and efficient payment system have proven to be a true boon for the farmers. Facilities for farmers are being continuously expanded in their best interests. Financial management has also seen continuous improvement. In the year 2024–25, the market witnessed an arrival volume of 64.16 lakh quintals, which rose to 72.40 lakh quintals in 2025–26.
Madhya Pradesh Leads in Medicinal Crop Production
Madhya Pradesh stands as the leading state in the country in terms of medicinal crop production. Within the state, medicinal crops—such as ‘Isabgol’ (Psyllium), ‘Safed Musli’, ‘Coleus’, and others—are being cultivated across an area of 46,837 hectares. During the year 2024–25, the state produced approximately 1.25 lakh metric tonnes of medicinal crops. Driven by the growing demand for medicinal crops both domestically and internationally, farmers have shown an increased inclination toward cultivating these crops. Following an initiative by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants and crops in addition to their traditional crops.