Kullu farmers to grow rare medicinal plants

By Suresh Sharma, TNN | Nov 21, 2012

MANALI: After frequent extraction of precious and rare Himalayan herbs, scientists of Medicinal Plants Board Delhi and Himachal Forest Research Institute have come up with a firm plan to grow medicinal plants commercially and strengthen the economy of farmers in the state.

According to scientists, Himachal has abundance of medicinal herbs which can give farming a new direction.

Now, scientists have claimed that they have identified several species of medicinal plants which can be grown commercially. For execution of the plan, a two-day training programme was organized in Manali where scientists and farmers discussed about farming of sub-tropical medicinal plants. Scientist and coordinator of the programme Jagdish Singh said the institution has identified some plants like kadu, nihani and van kakdi with have rich medicinal qualities. "These saplings are being prepared in large quantity and would be distributed among farmers and horticulturists. This way they can become economically better," he said.

A senior scientist with Medicinal Plants Board Delhi, Dr Sandeep Sharma imparted training on techniques of commercial farming of the plants. He gave lessons on collection and sowing of seeds, their transplantation and preparation of compost and vermin compost.

"This place is rich in many precious herbs. Their farming in a right way can strengthen economic state of local farmers," said P D Dogra, Kullu, divisional forest officer, who is a member of the campaign. The initiation of scientists to grow the medicinal plants may prove a vital step in increasing the income of hundreds of farmers and fruit growers. And it would also stop smuggling of herbs from higher regions of Himachal. Illegal extraction and trade of herbs is a new way to make easy money. The state police have arrested nearly two dozen smugglers under the Forest Act while ferrying rare herbs in last five months. The unscientific extraction of herbs has put their existence in danger.

Link:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kullu-farmers-to-grow-rare-medicinal-plants/articleshow/17302088.cms