Boost for medicinal herbs in Jharkhand

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has decided to undertake a detailed survey on cultivation of medicinal plants in Jharkhand. ICFRE director general V K Bahuguna said there has been considerable scope for production of medicinal plants in the state in view of their use by tribals in their daily lives. He said ICFRE will identify 7-8 species of medicinal herbs and plants used by the tribals.

He also visited some of the forests in Khunti where several farmers had undertaken cultivation of lac for their livelihood. He said that local farmers have now understood that cutting of trees would not create additional source of income and in lieu of that if they cultivate lac on the trees they could earn a considerable amount from it.

 

According to department of industry of the state government, 22 medicinal plants are available in various parts of the state and hence investment for manufacturing various medicines based on medicinal plants and herbs could be a wise proposition.