Baidyanath has set up a research & development centre equipped with modern pharmaceutical equipment at Joka in Calcutta. The company is growing 350 different types of herbs at the centre alongwith a few sandalwood trees, growing for the first time in Bengal.

Baidyanath is planning to launch a range of new off-the-shelf Ayurvedic products over the next year. It has already launched two products Stress Guard and Neem Guard. The company launched a new extension of its Chyawanprash, called Junior Chyawanprash on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Baidyanath director Ram K Sharma said, "We have applied for a patent for this product. We are using our research facilities to come up with newer products every two months.""We will sell this product in West Bengal and eastern India for one year before going in for a formal all-India launch. At present, the company is looking at spending Rs 50 lakh for promoting the brand in the eastern part of India," he added.

Baidyanath has a 20 per cent share of the chyawanprash market in India, where the market leader is Dabur. The company has embarked upon a plan to professionalise its management. Sharma said, "We are looking at placing professionals at vital positions. All departments and divisions will be headed by professionals from now on, although the family members will also be involved in the day to day management of the company." Baidyanath had posted a turnover of Rs 136 crore in 1998-99 and is targetting Rs 150 crore sales in the current fiscal.