Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: Odisha is set to make a mark in the herbal and wellness sector with the official launch of its own herbal brand “Kalinga Herbs”, as announced during the 6th Executive Body Meeting of the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB), held here today.

The meeting was chaired by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department. V. Karthick, Chief Executive, SMPB, presented the proposal which included the unveiling of the state’s Five-Year Vision Plan.

At the heart of this vision lies “Kalinga Herbs”, a dedicated brand under which Odisha’s rich biodiversity of medicinal plants will be harnessed for conservation, cultivation, and commercialization.

The initiative aims to blend traditional knowledge with modern scientific support to create high-quality, accessible herbal products rooted in Odisha’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Key decisions:

• Launch of “Kalinga Herbs”:
  Odisha's flagship herbal brand will promote locally sourced, sustainably grown medicinal plant-based products. This brand will not only generate livelihood opportunities but also position Odisha as a major player in the natural wellness market.
• Dedicated Outlet at RPRC, Bhubaneswar:
  A retail outlet exclusively for “Kalinga Herbs” products will be established at the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) to ensure public access and awareness.
• Five-Year Vision Plan Approved:
  The SMPB’s strategic roadmap focuses on strengthening the herbal sector through:
  • Conservation and cultivation of key medicinal species.
  • Capacity building of local communities and farmers.
  • Commercialization via branding, packaging, and value addition.

The pilot year of the initiative will be funded through the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS). From the second year, implementation will scale up via convergence with departments such as AYUSH, Panchayati Raj, and SC & ST Development.

To support the brand's credibility and technical strength, Odisha will sign MoUs in November 2025 with: FRLHT, Bengaluru, IRMA, Anand and MSSRF, Chennai.

These collaborations will bring expertise in research, community engagement, and product innovation.

The meeting was attended by senior officials and experts, including Suresh Pant, (PCCF & HoFF), G. Rajesh, (CCF, PPA), Gorakh Waman Kalunge, (Director, Horticulture), Anjana Panda (Director, AYUSH), Sudhansu Sekhar Khora, IFS (Chief Executive, RPRC).