With a massive push already provided to promote growing of medicinal plants, the Chhattisgarh Government has launched its ‘Home Herbal Garden Scheme’ for the people of the State.
Chhattisgarh with its massive forest resource has huge potential for supply of medicinal plants to the general public for their kitchen gardens with the prime objective of promoting their health and well being.
Keeping this perspective in mind, Chief Minister Raman Singh has announced that the scheme has been launched under which the Medicinal Plant Board- an undertaking of the State government’s Forest Department is distributing medicinal plant saplings free of cost and organizing mobile exhibition and quiz contests at schools and other public places.
Medicinal Plant Board officials informed here that to ensure supply of medicinal plants, nearly 8 lakh saplings of various species are being developed in special nurseries at eight forest boards which includes Raipur, Dhamtari, Rajnandgaon, Dharamjaigarh, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Kanker and Jashpur.
The species that are being developed in such nurseries include Aloe Vera, Aamla, Adusa, Neem, Applique, Giloy, Satavar, Ashwagandha, Bel, Brahmi, Mondukparni and Basil.
Under the ‘Home Herbal Garden Scheme,’ harmless medicinal saplings are being distributed to people, which they can easily plant in pots or nurseries and use it as first aid to cure cough-cold, fever, stomach pain, headache and other general ailments, they informed.
Distribution of free medicinal plants is underway at Medicinal Plant Board office, situated near Medical College road in Raipur. The plants can be collected from the Board office on all government working days from 10 am to 5 pm. As a part of the ongoing drive under the scheme, mobile exhibitions and quiz competitions were organized last week in Raipur and several nearby places.
Exhibitions and quizzes were held at Gandhi Park in Raipur and at Government School at village Temri on July 26, Moti Bagh based Press Club premises on July 30, Disha College campus on July 28, Jatan Devi Daga Higher Secondary School on August 1 and Anupam Garden, Raipur on August 4.
Officials informed that during these events, students and other people were made aware of the importance of medicinal plants and their use. Meanwhile, free saplings were also distributed.
The officials further informed that these plants have no harmful effect. During the programmes held in the city, people were informed about medicinal plants in an entertaining way through cartoon characters like Jaddu-Baddu.
This year till date, free medicinal plant saplings have been distributed in total of 24 schools, parks, clubs etc.
The State Medicinal Plant Board CEO said that people, schools, colleges, clubs, residential colony societies or any other organisations interested in availing this scheme and organising exhibition, quiz, etc in their area, may request the Medicinal Plant Board for the same and the Board may send a team to respond to the request. Telephone number 0771-2522056 or mobile number 998183552 can be contacted for details in the context.