DP Bhattacharya Posted: Sep 30, 2008 at 0213 hrs IST
Ahmedabad, September 29 WII report shows that Asiatic lions are looking for new habitat along grasslands
With more than 60 lions roaming outside the Gir Sanctuary area, fears have been expressed on potential man-animal conflicts in the region.
A study by the state Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has found that Asiatic lions from Gir are now looking for a new habitat along the grasslands of Palitana, Mahuva and Sabartundla adjoining the sanctuary.
It has also been observed that lions moving out of the sanctuary area cover approximately 800 sq km as opposed to the ones within the park, who restrict their movement within 100 sq. km. This came to light after tracking the movement of five lions, who have been radio collared by WII.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Crossover-kings--60-lions-venture-out-of-Gir--may-pick-conflict-with-humans/367565
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
12 forest circles in state use wireless connectivity without licence
Shubhalakshmi Shukla
Posted: Sep 29, 2008 at 0100 hrs IST
vadodara, September 28 Thanks to the Gujarat Forest Department and the Ministry of Telecommunication failing to coordinate with each other, all 12 forest circles in the state, barring Junagadh, have been cocking a snook at the regulations to operate wireless walkie-talkie sets and base stations without a licence.
This has been going on for the past 25 years. Though the state forest vigilance department has been on an anti-encroachment overdrive and also offered toll free numbers to alert it, hardly anything has been done to regularise the use of wireless sets.
Only Junagadh forest circle, which straddles the Gir National Sanctuary has had a valid licence for operating wireless sets, since 1982, according to Bharat Pathak, Conservator of Forest (CF), Junagadh Forest Circle.
The state Forest Department has around 250 forest ranges and purchases base stations and wireless walkie-talkie sets each year, according to Rajeeva, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Vigilance.
He refused to divulge the exact number of wireless walkie-talkie sets and base stations, but forest officials said their department has around 850 wireless sets and 1,900 base stations in operation in the state.
Interestingly, even as the state Forest Department continues to operate wireless facilities without a licence since 1978, the Ministry of Telecommunication (MoT) has neither raised an objection, nor taken any step against forest officials who have been using the frequency, which is common for all Forest Departments across India.
Ajit Soni, Inspecting officer of Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC), Western Region, Ajmer, said a mandatory document signed between the WPC and the other party allowed the latter to use a specific frequency. “There are various conditions, including one that specifies the production of the purchase invoice of all wireless sets from time to time,” he said.
He added that the state forest department never cared to inform the WPC about the wireless sets being bought and used ever since the frequency was allotted to the state Forest Department.
“It is important to update the WPC about the purchase of all wireless sets, but this has not been done so far,” said M C Pandey, Assistant wireless advisor, WPC wing, New Delhi.
Incidentally, the Gujarat Forest Department has not even been paying the royalty and licence fees to WPC, and the arrears would run into a huge sum.
Rajeeva said many attempts were made by his department five years ago in a bid to legalise the process. “We even tried to appoint a nodal officer in the state to decentralise the process, but nothing really worked out,” he added.
Pradeep Khanna, Principal Chief Conservator of forest, Wildlife, Gujarat said it was the PCCF administration and the CCF vigilance, which should be looking into the problem. “I am not responsible for it,” he said.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/12-forest-circles-in-state-use-wireless-connectivity-without-licence/367117/
Posted: Sep 29, 2008 at 0100 hrs IST
vadodara, September 28 Thanks to the Gujarat Forest Department and the Ministry of Telecommunication failing to coordinate with each other, all 12 forest circles in the state, barring Junagadh, have been cocking a snook at the regulations to operate wireless walkie-talkie sets and base stations without a licence.
This has been going on for the past 25 years. Though the state forest vigilance department has been on an anti-encroachment overdrive and also offered toll free numbers to alert it, hardly anything has been done to regularise the use of wireless sets.
Only Junagadh forest circle, which straddles the Gir National Sanctuary has had a valid licence for operating wireless sets, since 1982, according to Bharat Pathak, Conservator of Forest (CF), Junagadh Forest Circle.
The state Forest Department has around 250 forest ranges and purchases base stations and wireless walkie-talkie sets each year, according to Rajeeva, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Vigilance.
He refused to divulge the exact number of wireless walkie-talkie sets and base stations, but forest officials said their department has around 850 wireless sets and 1,900 base stations in operation in the state.
Interestingly, even as the state Forest Department continues to operate wireless facilities without a licence since 1978, the Ministry of Telecommunication (MoT) has neither raised an objection, nor taken any step against forest officials who have been using the frequency, which is common for all Forest Departments across India.
Ajit Soni, Inspecting officer of Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC), Western Region, Ajmer, said a mandatory document signed between the WPC and the other party allowed the latter to use a specific frequency. “There are various conditions, including one that specifies the production of the purchase invoice of all wireless sets from time to time,” he said.
He added that the state forest department never cared to inform the WPC about the wireless sets being bought and used ever since the frequency was allotted to the state Forest Department.
“It is important to update the WPC about the purchase of all wireless sets, but this has not been done so far,” said M C Pandey, Assistant wireless advisor, WPC wing, New Delhi.
Incidentally, the Gujarat Forest Department has not even been paying the royalty and licence fees to WPC, and the arrears would run into a huge sum.
Rajeeva said many attempts were made by his department five years ago in a bid to legalise the process. “We even tried to appoint a nodal officer in the state to decentralise the process, but nothing really worked out,” he added.
Pradeep Khanna, Principal Chief Conservator of forest, Wildlife, Gujarat said it was the PCCF administration and the CCF vigilance, which should be looking into the problem. “I am not responsible for it,” he said.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/12-forest-circles-in-state-use-wireless-connectivity-without-licence/367117/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
New gene pools for GenNext lions
20 Sep 2008, 0308 hrs IST, Himanshu Kaushik,TNN
GANDHINAGAR: The GenNext of Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir sanctuary is going to be stronger and healthier. Conservation of the endangered species is set to take a giant leap forward with creation of three gene pools.
The decision has been taken by Gujarat forest department. According to conservator of forests, Bharat Pathak, the gene pools are a long-term measure and will be at Rampara Virdi, around 40 km from Rajkot, Sakkarbaug Zoo and Hingolgadh in Jasdan taluka in Rajkot district. “These pools will help conserve genetic diversity. This is captive conservation of lions,” he explained.
Officials said inbreeding has always been a concern. This could lead to deterioration in genes and rise in diseases harming the animals. “The gene pools will help us monitor and create healthy specimens,” said a senior official involved in the project.
With the entire population of Asiatic lions confined to just one area, it is highly vulnerable to any kind of biological, climatic or man-made catastrophe. A major disaster within Gir could wipe out the entire species at a stroke. So would a disease outbreak.
Officials said Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, is exploring a possible second home at Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh. Measures are also being taken to correct a little known biological imbalance in the species.
“There are two types of conservation — one within the environment and the other where the animal is taken out of the environment and genetic diversity conserved. Each gene pool will have 10 to 20 animals,” said another senior official.
The step is being taken to counter the Centre’s move to shift the animals to Kuno, which Gujarat government is against. Around 50 of the wild cats will be shifted to these pools. The pools would also be used as breeding grounds for 10 to 12 pairs.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/New_gene_pools_for_GenNext_lions/articleshow/3504843.cms
GANDHINAGAR: The GenNext of Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir sanctuary is going to be stronger and healthier. Conservation of the endangered species is set to take a giant leap forward with creation of three gene pools.
The decision has been taken by Gujarat forest department. According to conservator of forests, Bharat Pathak, the gene pools are a long-term measure and will be at Rampara Virdi, around 40 km from Rajkot, Sakkarbaug Zoo and Hingolgadh in Jasdan taluka in Rajkot district. “These pools will help conserve genetic diversity. This is captive conservation of lions,” he explained.
Officials said inbreeding has always been a concern. This could lead to deterioration in genes and rise in diseases harming the animals. “The gene pools will help us monitor and create healthy specimens,” said a senior official involved in the project.
With the entire population of Asiatic lions confined to just one area, it is highly vulnerable to any kind of biological, climatic or man-made catastrophe. A major disaster within Gir could wipe out the entire species at a stroke. So would a disease outbreak.
Officials said Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, is exploring a possible second home at Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh. Measures are also being taken to correct a little known biological imbalance in the species.
“There are two types of conservation — one within the environment and the other where the animal is taken out of the environment and genetic diversity conserved. Each gene pool will have 10 to 20 animals,” said another senior official.
The step is being taken to counter the Centre’s move to shift the animals to Kuno, which Gujarat government is against. Around 50 of the wild cats will be shifted to these pools. The pools would also be used as breeding grounds for 10 to 12 pairs.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/New_gene_pools_for_GenNext_lions/articleshow/3504843.cms
Monday, September 22, 2008
Dead lion accorded last rites by Bhopal zoo authorities
September 20th, 2008 - 4:26 pm ICT by ANI -
Bhopal , Sept 20 (ANI): Officials of the ”Van Vihar” zoo in Bhopal performed the last rites of a 19-year lion.
The lion was brought to the zoo in 2006 after being rescued from a circus.
The death of the lion, ”Badal”, comes after that of Rini, the only white tigress of the zoo that died last week.
“Badal was brought to the zoo after being rescued from Rajmahal circus. It died a natural death due to old age. At present, the Van Vihar zoo has 12 tigers, 14 lions and 16 panthers,” said S.S Rajput, Director, Van Vihar.
The zoo is now planning to induct more animals, including a white tigress.
Asiatic lions are different from African lions with a characteristic skin fold on their bellies and thinner manes on the males.
Wildlife activists say the lions are also under threat from thousands of villagers living in and around the forests and want them to be relocated to save the endangered species.
India is also struggling to save its endangered tigers, as people invade their habitat and poachers kill them for body parts that fetch huge sums in the international black market. (ANI)
Source: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/dead-lion-accorded-last-rites-by-bhopal-zoo-authorities_10097801.html
Bhopal , Sept 20 (ANI): Officials of the ”Van Vihar” zoo in Bhopal performed the last rites of a 19-year lion.
The lion was brought to the zoo in 2006 after being rescued from a circus.
The death of the lion, ”Badal”, comes after that of Rini, the only white tigress of the zoo that died last week.
“Badal was brought to the zoo after being rescued from Rajmahal circus. It died a natural death due to old age. At present, the Van Vihar zoo has 12 tigers, 14 lions and 16 panthers,” said S.S Rajput, Director, Van Vihar.
The zoo is now planning to induct more animals, including a white tigress.
Asiatic lions are different from African lions with a characteristic skin fold on their bellies and thinner manes on the males.
Wildlife activists say the lions are also under threat from thousands of villagers living in and around the forests and want them to be relocated to save the endangered species.
India is also struggling to save its endangered tigers, as people invade their habitat and poachers kill them for body parts that fetch huge sums in the international black market. (ANI)
Source: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/dead-lion-accorded-last-rites-by-bhopal-zoo-authorities_10097801.html
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Heavy rains lash Junagadh,two killed in house collapse
Sibte Husain Bukhari
Posted: Sep 17, 2008 at 0143 hrs IST
Junagadh,City areas in grip of civic woes; schools remain closed
Torrential rain threw life out of gear in Junagadh district and claimed two more lives on Tuesday.
The first casualty occurred when the wall of an old house collapsed at Kanaja village near Vanthali town. A 65-year-old man identified as Bachu Nathani was buried under the debris and died. In a separate incident, Ramjibhai Tida, a 55-year-old man died after he was buried under the debris of his house.
Heavy rains also led to the collapse of a two-storey abandoned house at Mendarada town. But no casualties were reported.
According to the district flood control room, Junagadh city and Visavadar received 12 inches (300 mm) of rainfall in the last 24 hours ending Tuesday evening. Other areas in the district that received rainfall are Vanthali 215mm, Talala 163mm, Bhesan 146 mm, Mendarada 133mm, Sutrapada 125mm, Keshod 117mm, Manawadar 100mm, Kodinar 95mm, Una 75mm, Veraval 73mm, Maliya 68 mm and Mangarol 23 mm.
The entire district is experiencing heavy rainfall. Almost all the rivers are flooded, with the dams and the check dams overflowing. Heavy rains in the uphill areas have also led to at least one dozen villages in Ghed being marooned. Out of 19 major dams, 10, namely, Hiran -1, Madhuwanti, Zanzeshri, Machhundri, Hasnapur, Ozat (vanthali), Ozat-2, Mota Gujariya, Aanandpur and Ozat (Shapur) are overflowing while the flood gates in five have been opened. They are Hiran-2, Aambajal, Dharaad, Shingoda and Raval.
Several complaints of water-logging were also reported in Junagadh city. According to sources, water-logging occurred at Timbawadi, Madhuram, Aaditya Nagar and Nehri Nagar society area.
Many of the educational institutions remained closed. The city's main thoroughfares also wore a deserted look as people chose to remain indoors.
Junagadh District Collector Aswini Kumar, said: “Some villages in Ghed area are isolated, but we have taken adequate action to meet any eventuality. The situation is under control and no major incidents have been reported so far anywhere in the district. Besides, the administrative machinery is on an alert now,” he said.
Torrential rain has been also reported in the Gir and Girnar Forests. But no loss of life to wildlife has been reported so far. Heavy water flow has been reported from the rivers flowing from the forest area.
Posted: Sep 17, 2008 at 0143 hrs IST
Junagadh,City areas in grip of civic woes; schools remain closed
Torrential rain threw life out of gear in Junagadh district and claimed two more lives on Tuesday.
The first casualty occurred when the wall of an old house collapsed at Kanaja village near Vanthali town. A 65-year-old man identified as Bachu Nathani was buried under the debris and died. In a separate incident, Ramjibhai Tida, a 55-year-old man died after he was buried under the debris of his house.
Heavy rains also led to the collapse of a two-storey abandoned house at Mendarada town. But no casualties were reported.
According to the district flood control room, Junagadh city and Visavadar received 12 inches (300 mm) of rainfall in the last 24 hours ending Tuesday evening. Other areas in the district that received rainfall are Vanthali 215mm, Talala 163mm, Bhesan 146 mm, Mendarada 133mm, Sutrapada 125mm, Keshod 117mm, Manawadar 100mm, Kodinar 95mm, Una 75mm, Veraval 73mm, Maliya 68 mm and Mangarol 23 mm.
The entire district is experiencing heavy rainfall. Almost all the rivers are flooded, with the dams and the check dams overflowing. Heavy rains in the uphill areas have also led to at least one dozen villages in Ghed being marooned. Out of 19 major dams, 10, namely, Hiran -1, Madhuwanti, Zanzeshri, Machhundri, Hasnapur, Ozat (vanthali), Ozat-2, Mota Gujariya, Aanandpur and Ozat (Shapur) are overflowing while the flood gates in five have been opened. They are Hiran-2, Aambajal, Dharaad, Shingoda and Raval.
Several complaints of water-logging were also reported in Junagadh city. According to sources, water-logging occurred at Timbawadi, Madhuram, Aaditya Nagar and Nehri Nagar society area.
Many of the educational institutions remained closed. The city's main thoroughfares also wore a deserted look as people chose to remain indoors.
Junagadh District Collector Aswini Kumar, said: “Some villages in Ghed area are isolated, but we have taken adequate action to meet any eventuality. The situation is under control and no major incidents have been reported so far anywhere in the district. Besides, the administrative machinery is on an alert now,” he said.
Torrential rain has been also reported in the Gir and Girnar Forests. But no loss of life to wildlife has been reported so far. Heavy water flow has been reported from the rivers flowing from the forest area.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Charri Dhand 'conservation' reserve to boost birds' protection
Parag Dave
Ahmedabad, Sept 11 (PTI) Gujarat government's decision to declare the Charri Dhand wetland area in Banni region of Kutch as a conservation reserve will be a major boost to the efforts of preservation of lakhs of avian species found in the area, a top wildlife official has said.
The exotic wetland of Charri Dhand falls on the international migratory route of birds coming from Siberia and Europe during winter.
It is a paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists as 74 different avian species are found in the area during the winter.
Though the state falls on the migratory route of birds, so far little was done for their conservation.
"The declaration of 22,700 hectares of the wetland and surrounding areas as conservation reserve last month by the state government will be a major boost for preservation of wildlife found there," Conservator of Forest of Kutch, R L Meena, told PTI.
"Commercial fishing activity which had increased in the wetland posing threat to the food resources for the birds will be entirely stopped now," Meena said.
The activity of hunting of these birds will also be controlled.
"Charri Dhandh has recorded 74 species of birds. There were over one lakh pelicans in the last bird count in and around the wetland," Meena said.
Apart from the birds, 55 distinct species of animals have been spotted from the areas in and around Chhari Dhandh. PTI
Source: http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/8A42A7A73174EAA5652574C1001F1536?OpenDocument
Ahmedabad, Sept 11 (PTI) Gujarat government's decision to declare the Charri Dhand wetland area in Banni region of Kutch as a conservation reserve will be a major boost to the efforts of preservation of lakhs of avian species found in the area, a top wildlife official has said.
The exotic wetland of Charri Dhand falls on the international migratory route of birds coming from Siberia and Europe during winter.
It is a paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists as 74 different avian species are found in the area during the winter.
Though the state falls on the migratory route of birds, so far little was done for their conservation.
"The declaration of 22,700 hectares of the wetland and surrounding areas as conservation reserve last month by the state government will be a major boost for preservation of wildlife found there," Conservator of Forest of Kutch, R L Meena, told PTI.
"Commercial fishing activity which had increased in the wetland posing threat to the food resources for the birds will be entirely stopped now," Meena said.
The activity of hunting of these birds will also be controlled.
"Charri Dhandh has recorded 74 species of birds. There were over one lakh pelicans in the last bird count in and around the wetland," Meena said.
Apart from the birds, 55 distinct species of animals have been spotted from the areas in and around Chhari Dhandh. PTI
Source: http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/8A42A7A73174EAA5652574C1001F1536?OpenDocument
Schemes for tribal welfare bearing fruit, but it could have been better
Express News Service
Posted: Sep 14, 2008 at 0419 hrs IST
Ahmedabad, September 13 TRTI’s impact assessment says subsidies insufficient, land ownership records not updated
The Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI) at Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad has submitted a detailed impact assessment report to the Tribal Development Department, Gujarat government, after analysing the performance of the ‘Development of Forest Settlements’ (DFS) scheme being implemented in all the 199 forest villages in Gujarat.
As per the scheme, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs issues grants as Special Central Assistance (SCA) under the Tribal Sub Plan to respective state governments. These grants are further transferred to the Forest Development Agencies (FDA) for the implementation of various welfare schemes in the forest villages.
The scheme was approved by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in January 2005, under section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, allowing diversion of forest lands for providing the basic and essential development facilities to the tribal/forest villages.
The report prepared by three researchers of TRTI, Arun Patel, Chandrakant Patel and Ravindra Pancholi, has looked at the implications, benefits and loopholes in the scheme. According to their report, since 2005, FDAs in Gujarat have received around Rs 28 crore as SCA to be used in 72 development schemes in both community development and individual welfare programmes.
While explaining the welfare programmes, Pancholi said: “At the community level, wells, check dams and metal roads have been built. Fencing of villages is also underway at some places. As far as individual welfare programmes are concerned, housing, bank loans and Sarv Rog Nidan Camp to improve health care in forest villages have been undertaken. The seeds, fertilisers and equipments to increase the agricultural produce have also been supplied.”
Patel said: “In some areas, the Forest Department has allowed the tribals to use minor forest produce such as Timroo, Gond and Bili Patra for commercial purposes. We also found that in some villages, pipelines have been laid to supply water for irrigation purposes.”
Apart from the plus points, the report has highlighted some loopholes in the scheme too. The biggest problem, according to TRTI, is of insufficient subsidies. Pancholi said: “While the subsidy for a cow is Rs 7,000, it is Rs 8,000 for a buffalo. However, the market price of these animals is around Rs 15,000. This shows that the whole subsidy scheme is irrelevant.”
Another major loophole in the scheme is that there has been no ‘versaii’ in these villages. This essentially means that the ownership of land in forest villages has not been transferred across generations. Patel explained: “For example, if the old land record enlists only 100 residents of a village, the grant for welfare schemes come for only 100 people, despite the fact that the population of the village may have reached 1,000. This makes the grants extremely insufficient for the villagers.”
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Schemes-for-tribal-welfare-bearing-fruit-but-it-could-have-been-better/361235/
Posted: Sep 14, 2008 at 0419 hrs IST
Ahmedabad, September 13 TRTI’s impact assessment says subsidies insufficient, land ownership records not updated
The Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI) at Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad has submitted a detailed impact assessment report to the Tribal Development Department, Gujarat government, after analysing the performance of the ‘Development of Forest Settlements’ (DFS) scheme being implemented in all the 199 forest villages in Gujarat.
As per the scheme, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs issues grants as Special Central Assistance (SCA) under the Tribal Sub Plan to respective state governments. These grants are further transferred to the Forest Development Agencies (FDA) for the implementation of various welfare schemes in the forest villages.
The scheme was approved by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in January 2005, under section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, allowing diversion of forest lands for providing the basic and essential development facilities to the tribal/forest villages.
The report prepared by three researchers of TRTI, Arun Patel, Chandrakant Patel and Ravindra Pancholi, has looked at the implications, benefits and loopholes in the scheme. According to their report, since 2005, FDAs in Gujarat have received around Rs 28 crore as SCA to be used in 72 development schemes in both community development and individual welfare programmes.
While explaining the welfare programmes, Pancholi said: “At the community level, wells, check dams and metal roads have been built. Fencing of villages is also underway at some places. As far as individual welfare programmes are concerned, housing, bank loans and Sarv Rog Nidan Camp to improve health care in forest villages have been undertaken. The seeds, fertilisers and equipments to increase the agricultural produce have also been supplied.”
Patel said: “In some areas, the Forest Department has allowed the tribals to use minor forest produce such as Timroo, Gond and Bili Patra for commercial purposes. We also found that in some villages, pipelines have been laid to supply water for irrigation purposes.”
Apart from the plus points, the report has highlighted some loopholes in the scheme too. The biggest problem, according to TRTI, is of insufficient subsidies. Pancholi said: “While the subsidy for a cow is Rs 7,000, it is Rs 8,000 for a buffalo. However, the market price of these animals is around Rs 15,000. This shows that the whole subsidy scheme is irrelevant.”
Another major loophole in the scheme is that there has been no ‘versaii’ in these villages. This essentially means that the ownership of land in forest villages has not been transferred across generations. Patel explained: “For example, if the old land record enlists only 100 residents of a village, the grant for welfare schemes come for only 100 people, despite the fact that the population of the village may have reached 1,000. This makes the grants extremely insufficient for the villagers.”
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Schemes-for-tribal-welfare-bearing-fruit-but-it-could-have-been-better/361235/
How medicinal plants can promote agri business
2008-09-15 10:40:00
By B S Sajwan
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) set up in the Department of AYUSH in November, 2000 has been responsible for supporting initiatives for conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants both in-situ and ex-situ in India.
During the 9th and 10th Plans, the Board provided assistance to State Forest Departments and voluntary agencies for conservation of medicinal plants over an area of about 30,000 hectares. Financial assistance was also provided to over 5,000 farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants over 40,000 hectares.
Besides, a number of R&D institutions and universities were provided assistance for development of agro-techniques, training of farmers, primary collectors, tribals and others. Organisation of awareness camps, workshops and creation of school and home herbal gardens have created a large amount of interest in all sections of society towards conservation of medicinal plants and their role in healthcare.
A study of demand and supply of medicinal plants in India carried out by the Board during 2007-08 brought out alarming shortages of some of the plants used by the Ayurvedic industry. The Board, thereafter, launched special drive to invite proposals for conservation and plantation of some of the rare and endangered species in high demand from states.
Of particular interest were the tree species like Sita Ashoka (Saraca asoca) – the main ingredient of Ahsokaristha (a key Ayurvedic formulation for gyaenecological disorders), Guggal (Commiphora wightii) – a thorny bush which yields gum resin and is used in more than 100 Ayurvedic preparations, and the Dashmools – used in the most widely used Ayurvedic preparation – Dashmoolarishta. The estimated demand of Sita Ashoka bark is in excess of 2,000 MT, however, the availability in the wild is extremely rare. Likewise, though more than 1,000 MT of gum resin of Guggal is used by the Ayurvedic industry, more than 90% of this is imported.
The Board, therefore, sanctioned conservation/ plantation of Guggal over 4,000 hectares of forest areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sita Ashoka over 800 hectares in the States of Karnataka, Orissa and Kerala and Dashmool trees over 1,100 hectares in the States of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh.
Special drive was also launched to conserve and propagate high altitude plants like Atees, Kuth, Kutki through the non-government organization working at the grass root level in the Himalayas. The Task Force on High Altitude Medicinal Plants, under the Chairmanship of Sh. Chandi Prakash Bhatt, set up by the Board has been the main driver behind the conservation efforts through mobilization of civil society in the hills.
Awareness programmes like the School and Home Herbal Gardens have been extremely popular in mobilizing civil society around medicinal plants conservation. The Home Herbal Garden programme lauched in Delhi by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister in October, 2007 for implementation through Resident Welfare Associations is proposed to be up-scaled during the current year. Under the School Herbal Garden programme, more than 1,000 schools have been covered in different parts of the country creating awareness among citizens of tomorrow about the health promoting role of our bio-diversity.
The Board is making new strides during the 11th Plan. Against a 10th Plan expenditure of Rs. 142 crores, the outlay during the 11th Plan is Rs. 990 crores – a seven fold increase.
A new initiative in the form of National Mission on Medicinal Plants has been approved by the Government which seeks to promote market driven cultivation, focus on development of selected clusters with potential for inclusive growth in agri-business through medicinal plants and thereby improve the market access of growers/farmers for more remunerative prices for their produce and better quality of raw material for the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani industry.
Source: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/How-medicinal-plants-can-promote-agri-business-11646-3-1.html
By B S Sajwan
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) set up in the Department of AYUSH in November, 2000 has been responsible for supporting initiatives for conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants both in-situ and ex-situ in India.
During the 9th and 10th Plans, the Board provided assistance to State Forest Departments and voluntary agencies for conservation of medicinal plants over an area of about 30,000 hectares. Financial assistance was also provided to over 5,000 farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants over 40,000 hectares.
Besides, a number of R&D institutions and universities were provided assistance for development of agro-techniques, training of farmers, primary collectors, tribals and others. Organisation of awareness camps, workshops and creation of school and home herbal gardens have created a large amount of interest in all sections of society towards conservation of medicinal plants and their role in healthcare.
A study of demand and supply of medicinal plants in India carried out by the Board during 2007-08 brought out alarming shortages of some of the plants used by the Ayurvedic industry. The Board, thereafter, launched special drive to invite proposals for conservation and plantation of some of the rare and endangered species in high demand from states.
Of particular interest were the tree species like Sita Ashoka (Saraca asoca) – the main ingredient of Ahsokaristha (a key Ayurvedic formulation for gyaenecological disorders), Guggal (Commiphora wightii) – a thorny bush which yields gum resin and is used in more than 100 Ayurvedic preparations, and the Dashmools – used in the most widely used Ayurvedic preparation – Dashmoolarishta. The estimated demand of Sita Ashoka bark is in excess of 2,000 MT, however, the availability in the wild is extremely rare. Likewise, though more than 1,000 MT of gum resin of Guggal is used by the Ayurvedic industry, more than 90% of this is imported.
The Board, therefore, sanctioned conservation/ plantation of Guggal over 4,000 hectares of forest areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sita Ashoka over 800 hectares in the States of Karnataka, Orissa and Kerala and Dashmool trees over 1,100 hectares in the States of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh.
Special drive was also launched to conserve and propagate high altitude plants like Atees, Kuth, Kutki through the non-government organization working at the grass root level in the Himalayas. The Task Force on High Altitude Medicinal Plants, under the Chairmanship of Sh. Chandi Prakash Bhatt, set up by the Board has been the main driver behind the conservation efforts through mobilization of civil society in the hills.
Awareness programmes like the School and Home Herbal Gardens have been extremely popular in mobilizing civil society around medicinal plants conservation. The Home Herbal Garden programme lauched in Delhi by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister in October, 2007 for implementation through Resident Welfare Associations is proposed to be up-scaled during the current year. Under the School Herbal Garden programme, more than 1,000 schools have been covered in different parts of the country creating awareness among citizens of tomorrow about the health promoting role of our bio-diversity.
The Board is making new strides during the 11th Plan. Against a 10th Plan expenditure of Rs. 142 crores, the outlay during the 11th Plan is Rs. 990 crores – a seven fold increase.
A new initiative in the form of National Mission on Medicinal Plants has been approved by the Government which seeks to promote market driven cultivation, focus on development of selected clusters with potential for inclusive growth in agri-business through medicinal plants and thereby improve the market access of growers/farmers for more remunerative prices for their produce and better quality of raw material for the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani industry.
Source: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/How-medicinal-plants-can-promote-agri-business-11646-3-1.html
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