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Six zones for medicinal plants planned

Staff Reporter

Idea is to boost exports of medicinal plants

PONDICHERRY: The Centre was planning to create at least six zones exclusively for medicinal plants in the country, according to B. S Sajwan, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the national symposium on `Medicinal Plants and Herbal Technology', he said the process of forming the zones was only at an initial stage. The Health Ministry had been working the modalities with the Commerce Ministry.

The idea was to boost exports of medicinal plants. The zones would have facilities for processing, testing and hinterland cultivation of medicinal plants.

There was a big demand for herbal medicines in global market and the World Bank estimates showed that in the near future trade involving medicinal plants would bring in enormous money, he said.

If the Pondicherry Government comes up with a clear proposal to create herbal gardens the National Medicinal Plants Board would give financial assistance. Individuals and NGOs' could also establish herbal gardens and seek financial assistance from the Board, he said.

The Education Minister of Pondicherry M.O.H.F Shajahan said the herbal industry had a good potential to strive in the territory. The Government was planning to promote herbal medicinal industry in a big way by offering incentives, especially in the Karaikal region.

M. Ramadass M.P, in his address urged scholars working in the field, to come out with strategies that could help farmers switch over to medicinal plant cultivation. This could help farmers, who were struggling to make profit from traditional farming. The symposium is organised by the Department of Plant Science, K. M Center for Post Graduate Studies, Lawspet.

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