Himachal gets Rs 8.73 cr for herbal projects

The National medicinal board has sanctioned 54 projects for individual farmers with a total capacity of Rs 7.66 crore under a contract farming scheme to encourage herbal cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.

The board has also sanctioned ten projects worth Rs 1.07 crore under a promotional scheme for government and non-government organisations. This was disclosed by Avay Shukla, Principal Secretary, Ayurveda department, at a two-day seminar on "Herbal business and good manufacturing practices of ayurveda drugs" which ended here today.

The seminar was organised by the Indian system of medicine and homeopathy and sponsored by Ayush and National Plant Board.

"Due to its varied climate, Himachal is a rich repository of herbal plants. More than 2000 metric tonnes of herbal produce worth Rs 10 crore is being marketed from the state every year, Shukla said.

"100 hectares of land has been brought under cultivation of medicinal plants in Kullu district alone under 'Vanaspati Van Project' being implemented in the state," he said.

He said there was a need for farmers to be sensitised about the quality of drugs and scientific exploitation of medicinal plants. VC Katoch, director, Ayurveda department said while three herbal gardens had already been set up in the state, one more herbal garden would be established soon.