Experts urge AI and blockchain use to secure herbal supply chains and ensure quality at the point of origin.
Industry specialists have advocated for the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to modernise the medicinal plant supply chain. During a seminar at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, officials from the Ministry of Ayush emphasised the necessity of digital monitoring from the point of origin.
The proposal focuses on establishing “farm-gate” quality assurance to enhance the transparency of the entire distribution network. By utilising AI-enabled diagnostics and portable testing devices, the sector aims to verify raw materials immediately after harvest. This digital roadmap is designed to eliminate adulteration and reduce losses for primary producers, ensuring that herbal exports meet international standards.
The transition towards a tech-driven supply chain includes the use of blockchain for end-to-end traceability. This system will document the movement of plants through every stage of the logistics process, bolstering global confidence in the authenticity of Indian raw materials. By securing the start of the supply chain, the initiative seeks to make the herbal trade more competitive and commercially sustainable.
SOURCE – PIB
