The Central Government is considering establishing a herbal garden in Jharkhand soon. The information was provided by Minister of State for Ayush, Shripad Yesso Naik as a reply to a question raised by Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth in the ongoing Lok Sabha session on Saturday.

Seth raised various questions related to herbal farming in the country including plans for development, providing financial incentives for the farmers for herbal farming and plans to establish an herbal garden in Jharkhand.

Replying to Seth's question Naik informed that at present, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) is working across the country under which medicinal plant school and other organizations are providing support to State governments in promoting medicinal plantation.

He also said that the centre provides financial assistance to farmers through various schemes of National Ayush Mission. Under these schemes the farmers are provided subsidy on purchase of a total of 140 varieties of medicinal plants at three different rates, 30 per cent, 50 per cent and 75 per cent.

On Saturday Seth also met Union Minister of State for Industries, Arjun Meghwal and discussed the various issues related to HEC. He was accompanied by Koderma MP Annapurna Devi and Palamu MP BD Ram.

Seth informed the minister that salary revision of HEC workers is still pending and many workers have not received arrears since 1997. He also informed that the proposal of merger of HEC with Department of Atomic Energy is pending for consideration with the Centre.

Meghwal assured Seth that he will talk to the concerned officials soon and come to a decision regarding these issues. He also said that he would be visiting HEC in July and will provide all the support needed.