New Delhi – Dabur India, a leading consumer goods company, is intensifying its efforts to secure a stable supply of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients crucial for its growing Ayurveda-led product portfolio. The company has substantially expanded its cultivation network, now collaborating with close to 15,000 farmers across India, an increase from approximately 11,000 farmers two years prior.
This strategic expansion involves cultivating rare medicinal herbs across more than 15,000 acres of land. Mohit Malhotra, Global CEO of Dabur India, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable sourcing, stating that this engagement with farmers ensures the replenishment and sustenance of natural resources used in their products.
Meeting Growing Demand for Natural Products
The initiative comes as demand for Ayurveda and natural products continues its upward trajectory. This heightened consumer interest underscores the importance for companies like Dabur to establish reliable and scalable supply chains for medicinal plants and natural ingredients. Many species remain challenging to source consistently, prompting direct investment in cultivation programs and robust farmer partnerships.
Dabur has also bolstered its nursery infrastructure to enhance the availability of planting material and support the cultivation of various medicinal species. The company operates core mother greenhouses in Pantnagar and Nepal, complemented by a network of 26 satellite nurseries. This infrastructure is vital for propagating and distributing high-quality saplings, particularly for non-timber forest products and high-value medicinal species facing limited availability.
Mitigating Sourcing Risks and Future Growth
As part of its biodiversity and sourcing strategy, Dabur successfully mitigated sourcing risks associated with critically endangered herbs like Gugal and Aconite during the fiscal year FY25. This proactive approach is integral to the company's future growth plans, aligning with shifting consumer preferences towards natural and Ayurveda-based products.
Malhotra noted that contemporary consumers are increasingly conscious about the origin and composition of their purchases. Dabur's strong Ayurveda-led natural portfolio positions it well to meet this evolving demand. As competition in the natural products segment intensifies, supply-chain resilience and raw material availability are becoming paramount for sustainable business operations. For Dabur, a deeper, more integrated engagement with its farmer network is emerging as a cornerstone of this long-term strategy.