The Hindu Business Line : Kalam plumps for growing rare herbs

THE President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has said that rare herbs which have good potential in the export market and extracts of which can be utilised profitably in the pharmaceutical sector should be developed by the agri-horticulturists. He was addressing the members of the Agri-Horticulture Society of India (AHSI).

According to him, India ranked among the top five nations in bio-diversity and this advantage should be properly utilised.

He made particular references about two rare herbs, germanium and sadabahar, which only take four months to grow. "There is a huge export market for these two herbs. We should develop these sorts of rare herbs", Dr Kalam said.

In this context, he urged the horticulturists to work in tandem with the general farmers. "Your aim should be to enrich the farmers of West Bengal and see that they are able to generate additional income for themselves", he said.

The President felt the process should not stop by just growing these rare herbs and selling them off. Instead, the horticulturists and farmers should try to add value to the products. Liquid extractions from these herbs should be made and then it should be marketed about the pharmaceutical companies.

He asked the members of AHSI to develop entrepreneurship, as it will help in generating employment and job creation. For this, AHSI should work with the students in colleges and universities.

"I hope herbal cultivation in West Bengal grows from 10 acres to 100 acres to 1,000 acres in the years to come. AHSI should also develop horticulture awareness in schools and colleges," he said.

More Stories on : Alternative Medicines | Cultivation

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