A Comprehensive Report on AYUFARM 2025: A National level Certificate Course Integrating Modern Biotechnology and Soilless Cultivation with Traditional Vrikshayurveda Principles for Medicinal Plant Propagation

Abstract

The escalating global demand for Ayurvedic medicine has placed significant pressure on medicinal plant resources, leading to challenges in supply, substitution, and quality control. To address this critical gap, the Department of Dravyaguna at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, organized a five-day national certificate course, AYUFARM 2025, from 22nd to 26th September 2025¹. This intensive program was designed to provide a high-level, multidisciplinary training platform for 27 participants, including postgraduate scholars, doctoral researchers, medical officers, and faculty members from 13 states across India²²². The course curriculum was meticulously structured to synthesize modern biotechnological interventions with traditional Ayurvedic agricultural wisdom. Key modules covered: (1) Plant Tissue Culture, focusing on micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, and synthetic seed production; (2) Soilless Cultivation, detailing hydroponic and cocoponic systems for standardized herb production; (3) Vrikshayurveda, exploring classical principles of soil science, plant nutrition, and propagation ; and (4) Sustainable Agriculture, with practical training in organic pest management and vermitechnology. The program, led by six eminent scientists and educators, successfully merged theoretical lectures with hands-on practical demonstrations. This report details the pedagogical framework, technical content, and key outcomes of the course, highlighting its significance in building skilled human resources capable of advancing the sustainable cultivation, conservation, and quality assurance of medicinal plants, thereby aligning with national AYUSH mission objectives and global Sustainable Development Goals.