DS Group to grow health herbs in MP

DS Group, makers of Rajnigandha Paan Masala, is planning to foray into medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation and the processing business.

Group company DS Green Agrotech Pvt Ltd is learnt to have sent a proposal to the Madhya Pradesh government for setting up medicinal aromatic plant processing units in Katni (near Jabalpur) and Seoni districts.

The company has obtained clearance from the state's Project Implementation and Clearance Board.

"The company needs processed aromatic and medicinal plants and it will consume half of the processed material. It plans to invest Rs 50 crore in Katni and Seoni districts," said a government source.

The project would create a number of indirect jobs in rural areas of the two economically weaker districts, the source added.

The company has not asked for concessions and, reportedly, will acquire land for cultivation and processing privately.

However, the source did not disclose anything about the processed products or quantity but said, "The proposal has been given approval of the Project Implementation and Clearance Board and further assistance has been assured from the Madhya Pradesh Trade and Investment Facilitation Corporation (TRIFAC)."

DS Group has interests in sectors like chewing tobacco, food and beverages, real estate, hospitality and packaging. The group also has a yoga and nature cure centre, namely Swasthyagram, established at Manesar.

It has treatment based on the principles of naturopathy for chronic and acute diseases. Company officials could not be contacted.

Rich in medicinal plants, Katni and Seoni districts are known for their dense teak forests, and rare medicinal herbs. Katni, Jabalpur, Mandla and Shahdol districts of the state produce great quantities of amla (Indian gooseberry), which is rich in vitamin C and cytokine substances. "

A number of ayurvedic companies send amla from these districts to manufacture Chyawanprash, an ayurvedic health food.

Despite having a separate body for medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, the state government has yet to spell out its policy document, terms and conditions for companies that want to invest in medicinal plant processing.

Promotional activities in medicinal plants are restricted to cultivation of a high-potential medicinal crop with ever increasing commercial value--safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)--on nearly 10,000 hectares.