Medicinal Plants Capture Eye Balls

BENGALURU: Herbal and medicinal plants have become the centre of attraction at the Krishi Mela 2014 which started at the University of Agricultural Sciences here on Wednesady. A number of people and small-time farmers thronged the stalls which have over 200 varieties of such plants.

Dr M Vasundhara, Head of the Department of Medicinal Plants and Horticulture in the university told Express: “The plants like Insulin (Costusignaeus), Amruthaballi and Madhunashini are in great demand as people want to control diabetes by using them.”

The university has cultivated these plants on its land.

“Fifty farmers from Brahmavar will be trained (in medicinal plant cultivation) in December first week. Farmers who don’t have a wide cultivation area can grow these plants and get reasonable profit,” In-Charge Vice-Chancellor of the university Dr D P Kumar said.

Among these plants, Brahmi (Centella asiatica) enhances memory  power while Cemaruba and Lakshmi Taroo are good for preventing cancer. Patta Choor prevents stone formation in kidneys. Mint is a good mouth fresher. Some other plants are good for display, Dr Vasundhara said.

Imtiyaz Ahmed, an estate owner from Chintamani who had come for the mela, said, “We own 40 acres of land. In that, we will grow herbal and medicinal plants in five-acres to help nearby villagers to take up herbal and medicinal plant cultivation. We want to buy Tulsi and Amruthaballi  plants.”

Dr Vasundhara said, “These plants are being sold at lowers rates. You can get them for Rs 10 or Rs 20. We collected Rs 5,000 by selling these plants on the Mela’s first day on Wednesday.”   The Mela ends on Friday.

‘Krishi Bhagya in a Month’s time’

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda said the government will launch the Krishi Bhagya scheme in a month’s time. As part of the scheme, farmers will be offered `2 lakh financial assistance for building percolation tanks and installing pipes.   C Byregowda award was given to late H T Lingappa Gowda from Sakleshpur. M H Marigowda award was given to G D Manjappa from Shivamogga and Mallappa Gowda from Shringeri.


Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com