Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is inviting proposals to establish “Poshan Vatika” herbal gardens in EMRS schools to improve child nutrition through cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. The scheme provides up to ₹7,00,000 per project over three years with full financial support. It is open to government, NGO, and voluntary organizations with relevant expertise in herbal gardens and plantation activities.
Overview of the Poshan Vatika Initiative
The Poshan Vatika initiative is a nutrition-focused herbal garden programme implemented in EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) across India. It is led by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
The programme promotes the integration of nutrition, education, and environmental awareness by establishing school-based herbal gardens that include fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Objectives of the Programme
The initiative is designed to improve nutrition, awareness, and environmental engagement among school children.
Key objectives include:
- Promoting nutrition among school children through fresh produce cultivation
- Establishing herbal and medicinal plant gardens in EMRS schools
- Encouraging cultivation of fruits and vegetables for dietary improvement
- Supporting biodiversity through multi-species plantation
- Enhancing awareness of medicinal plants and their benefits
- Developing sustainable school-based nutrition ecosystems
- Building environmental and agricultural learning opportunities
Scope of Activities
The programme includes a wide range of plantation, infrastructure, and training activities.
Supported activities include:
- Establishment of Poshan Vatika herbal gardens
- Plantation of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants
- Development of irrigation systems for garden maintenance
- Training programmes for students and staff
- Awareness generation activities on nutrition and medicinal plants
- Installation of educational signage in gardens
- Long-term maintenance and upkeep of gardens
- Ensuring cultivation of at least 30 plant species per site
Garden specifications:
- Minimum area: 100 square metres
- Maximum area: up to 2 acres
- Minimum biodiversity requirement: 30 plant species
Funding Details
The scheme provides full financial assistance for implementation and maintenance over three years.
Funding structure:
- Total assistance: up to ₹7,00,000 per project
- Funding support: 100% grant (no cost-sharing required)
- Duration: 3 years
Year-wise allocation:
- Year 1: ₹4,50,000 (establishment phase)
- Year 2: ₹1,25,000 (maintenance)
- Year 3: ₹1,25,000 (maintenance)
Eligible Applicants
The call is open to organizations with demonstrated expertise in relevant fields such as horticulture, herbal gardens, plantation management, or nutrition-linked agricultural projects.
Eligible applicants include:
- Government organizations
- Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
- Voluntary organizations
Eligibility requirement:
- Proven experience in plantation, herbal gardens, or related environmental/nutrition projects
Implementation Responsibilities
Selected organizations will be responsible for full project execution and management.
Key responsibilities include:
- Site preparation and plantation activities
- Development of irrigation systems
- Training of students and school staff
- Conducting awareness programmes on nutrition and medicinal plants
- Installation of signage and educational materials
- Maintenance and sustainability of Poshan Vatika gardens
- Ensuring biodiversity and plant survival
Expected Outcomes
The initiative is designed to generate both nutritional and educational benefits for students.
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved nutritional intake among school children
- Increased awareness of medicinal plants and healthy diets
- Creation of sustainable school-based green ecosystems
- Enhanced environmental education in EMRS schools
- Strengthened biodiversity through multi-species gardens
- Long-term maintenance of nutrition-supportive infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Poshan Vatika initiative?
- It is a programme by NMPB, Ministry of Ayush, to establish herbal gardens in EMRS schools for promoting nutrition through fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
- What is the funding provided under this scheme?
- Funding details include:
- Up to ₹7,00,000 per project
- 100% financial assistance
- Spread over 3 years with establishment and maintenance phases
- Funding details include:
- Who can apply for this programme?
- Eligible applicants include:
- Government organizations
- NGOs
- Voluntary organizations with relevant experience
- Eligible applicants include:
- What activities are included in the project?
- Activities include:
- Plantation of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants
- Development of herbal gardens
- Irrigation and maintenance systems
- Training and awareness programmes
- Installation of signage
- Activities include:
- What are the garden requirements?
- Requirements include:
- Area between 100 sq. m to 2 acres
- Minimum 30 plant species per garden site
- Requirements include:
- What is the duration of the project?
- The project runs for:
- 3 years total duration
- Year 1 for establishment and Years 2–3 for maintenance
- The project runs for:
Conclusion
The Poshan Vatika initiative under NMPB aims to integrate nutrition, education, and environmental sustainability in EMRS schools through structured herbal gardens. By combining plantation activities with awareness and training, the programme promotes healthier diets, biodiversity, and long-term ecological learning for school children.
For more information, visit NMPB.