Project on medicinal plants launched
In order to protect and promote medicinal plants, the Himachal Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, has taken an initiative. An ambitious project called “Conservation and Development of Medicinal Plants” has recently been launched in Churah valley of Chamba district. Besides contributing to the gross domestic products substantially, the project will provide a lucrative livelihood option to the people of this hilly region of Himachal Pradesh.
Designed to be a benchmark in the history of the hill state, the project would run for three years. Initially a sum of Rs.32.10 lakh has been earmarked for the project.
The proposed area of this project falls in alpine Churah valley of Chamba district having 54109.35 hectare (541.10 sq.kms) area comprising about 90 per cent forestland between an altitude of 800 to 1800 metres. The flora comprises deodar, kail, fir, spruce, birch to alpine pastures. The people are poor and depend on forests for their day-to-day needs. A majority of the families, mainly poor ones, are using these forests for collection of medicinal herbs both for sale and domestic purpose.
The main species of medicinal plants existing in this valley are Patrich (Aconitum chasmanthus), Kaur (Picrorhiza kurroa), Dhoop (Jurnea macrocopiza), Patlain (Heracleum candicans), Bhutkeshi (Selium veginatum), Mushakbala (Valeriana wallichii), Ban Kakri (Podoplyllum emodi), Salam Panja (Orchis lotfolia), Kuth (Saussarea leppa), Guchhi (Morchella excupenta), Chukri (Riteum emodi), Barmi (Taxces baceala) and Abies (Spectaleiis).
All these species of herbs of medicinal value grow naturally in this valley but over the years due to excessive and unscientific exploitation of these medicinal shrubs by the local people and the traders, most of these species are either rarely noticeable or have become extinct.
The Churah valley has a great potential for enhancing the livelihood of the inhabitants by growing medicinal and aromatic plants of high value, which can be produced, collected, transported and exported easily from these difficult, secluded and inaccessible areas having practically no infrastructure facilities.
Taking into account huge demand for herbal drugs and green medicines in the herbal drug industry, the production of medicinal plants has become indispensable. It is also the only source of health care for more than 80 per cent of rural population where modern drugs are not available due to high prices.
According to the World Bank report 1996, herbal drug world scenario at present consists of international market of above 60 billions with an annual growth rate of 7 per cent. Likewise, as per the report of “task force on conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants, March 2000” the herbal drug Indian scenario at present consists of annual Indian trade of Rs.1000 crore with annual export of Rs.446 crore and has the potential to increase the export to Rs.3000 crore by the end of this year.
This can be achieved if endeavors are made on a large scale for conservation and development of medicinal plants. Through this project, efforts are being made to conserve and propagate medicinal plants in the Churah valley.
According to Mr Avtar Singh, Conservator of Forests, Chamba, the forest department would carry out all works like raising of nurseries and raising of some demonstration plots at various locations in the valley. Eighteen self-help groups are being identified. Each group will consist of 10 to 15 members. The role of the forest department would be providing technical assistance and to explore suitable market with people’s participation.
Source:
Balkrishan Prashar
Chamba, August 21, 2005