Uttaranchal plans 8 herbal parks

State is home to thousands of wonder species

Setting its eyes on the multi-billion global herbal market, the Uttaranchal government has decided to survey the availability of precious herbs in the potentially rich Himalayan region and set up eight new herbal gardens. The survey has been launched yesterday.

"The rapid mapping exercise" is first such effort being made by the Uttaranchal forest department to locate, identify and record herbal plants found in the thick Himalayan forests, considered as a home to thousands of wonder species, which also find mention in the holy scriptures.

According to BS Barfal, chief forest conservator, Uttaranchal is estimated to have some precocious herbs, the trade for which remains unaccounted.

Yarchargumba was one such herb, which was being traded widely in China for its aphrodisiac qualities, he said.

Under the project, top officials including the chief wildlife warden and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Research Institute would train forest officials regarding the identification and medicinal value of herbs, Barfal said. They would also help forest officials in data collection, he added.

The training, which started today, will conclude on June 28. A total of 17 training camps have been planned across the state. Each training camp would cost Rs 11 lakh, Barfal said.

The exercise would also help in devising a strategy to manage and conserve the herbs, which were on the verge of extinction, he said.

The exercise is part of the government's resolve to tap the herb-treasure and to conserve the endangered species.

The government recently set up a herbal garden in Rishikesh, housing 144 different species, to exploit their medicinal value.

"We will carry out ex-situ conservation of herbs by setting up a germ plasma in the garden, which is being developed on a land two hectare plot," he said. It could be expanded as per the requirement, he added.

Barfal said seven more herbal gardens""one in tropical region and two each in sub-tropical, temperate and alpine/sub-alpine regions would be set up. The sites for setting up these gardens are being selected by a committee.

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Herbal power

• Under the project, top officials including the chief wildlife warden and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Research Institute will train forest officials regarding the identification and medicinal value of herbs
• A total of 17 training camps have been planned across the state