The Ayurvedic industry in Kerala is seeking integration of the International Ayurveda Research Institute (IRIA), Kalliad, Kannur, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on February 25, with the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) proposed in the Union Budget.
D. Ramanathan, general secretary of the Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organization of India (AMMOI), said on Sunday (February 8) that the state government could send an application to this effect. He pointed out that once the Union Ministry of AYUSH approves the proposal, central funds could be released for research work. According to government sources, the first phase of the IRIA was completed at a cost of ₹200 crore. It has a 100-bed hospital, a medicinal plant garden, a manuscript study center and a research center. Dr. Ramanathan also said that a plan should be made to promote the cultivation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants like what has been proposed to increase coconut productivity.
Meanwhile, AMMOI functionaries also urged the state government to send applications for setting up an All India Institute of Ayurveda in the state. Three such institutes across the country have been proposed in the Union Budget. Union Minister of State (Independent Representative) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, said the Center would seek proposals from states. The minister said the institutes will help expand high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education, advanced research and tertiary care services.
Published – 08 Feb 2026 19:46 IST