Indian bay leaf (botanical name Cinnamomum tamala) popularly called Tej pata in India has become first geographical indicator from Uttarakhand. Bay leaf is the first medicinal plant of the State to be registered at Chennai based Geographical indicator registry office. This office in letter dated May 31 has released a registration number of 520 to the plant.
Selection of geographical indicator of the State was to be done under Global Environment Facility (GEF) scheme of United Nation Development Prorgrame (UNDP). The department selected the scientist of Medicinal herb and development institute, Gopeshwar as nodal officer. A committee, Uttarakhand Tej pat Committee, Gopershwar was constituted under leadership of Nath Singh of Village Sukhi Dhang, Champawat.
The Bay leaf of Uttarakhand is called Sweet Tej pata and is used in making of many ayurvedic formulations. The registration of geographic indicator would ensure an increase in its demand and price. The State Government would be able to increase its revenue by preparing herbal products derived from it. At present the market price of the dry leaves is `60-65 per kilo gram which is expected to increase to `150-200 after its registration.
The Director of Medicinal herbs research and development institute, Gopeshwar, Dr B S Negi said many new projects keeping Bay leaf in centre are being prepared in the state. Under cluster development plan of Chief Minister a plan to add 500 hectare of agriculture land under cultivation of this plant is being undertaken. The project also aims to provide international recognition for the herb. At present about 10000 farmers of the state are involved in plantation of Bay leaf and its annual production is 1000 metric tones. The major collection areas of Bay leaf are Tanakpur, Haldwani, Ramnagar and Rishikesh while it is produced primarily in the districts of Nainital, Chamoli, Tehri, Bageshwar, Alora , Pithoragarh and Champawat districts.
The plant of the Bay leaf develops in five years and in one Nali of land 10 plants can be grown. The new plantation is done in the months of July- August and the leaves are plucked between December to March. According to Ayurveda experts, consumption of one spoon of Tej pata powder four times a day helps in reduction of sugar levels and it even induces the body cells for synthesis of insulin.