Charota’, a kind of weed is becoming a good source of income for rural people in the insurgency-hit Bhanupratappur region of Kanker district.
The hike in Charota seed demand overseas has opened new earning avenue for the rural populace
Notably, the Charota seed is used in the preparation of green tea, chocolates, ice-creams, Ayurvedic medicines and several other edible items.
Harish Sancheti, a businessman hailing from Sambalpur of Odisha State informed that Chaorta seeds are being sold for Rs 45 to Rs 46 per kilogram. This handsome remuneration is pushing villagers to collect more and more Charota seeds, he said.
According to him, the seeds collected from farmers are converted into non-edible ‘Daal’ and then exported.
Dr MP Chauhan an Ayurvedic physician says that Charota has Ayurvedic significance. It’s seeds and leaves are used in the treatment of skin diseases. The ‘bhaji’ prepared from Charota leaves are good for stomach, he claims.
Charota is also used by natives as a food item. Its seeds are also mixed with Chana (gram), Daal and consumed. According to some doctors, ‘Charota bhaji’ has a good amount of iron, protein which is useful for pregnant women.