In a unique initiative to prevent some of the endangered species of medicinal plants in the state from being extinct Forest Department is in the process to develop, ‘Arogya van’ (medicinal forest) across Jharkhand in 18 forest divisions.
The initiative has been taken as Jharkhand—known for its rich abode of medicinal plants—is under threat due to over exploitation of some species. This will also promote farming of medicinal plants in the State.
“Plantation of indigenous and naturalised species has been taken up in ‘Arogya van’ in the 18 forest divisions. 50 hectares of land would be put under cultivation in each forest division area which will also serve as gene bank for medicinal plants,” said Chief Conservator of Forests
Dinesh Kumar.
The project is to be completed in three phases. To begin with, forest divisions of Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Deoghar were taken in the first phase to develop medicinal plants in the area. The project is expected to be completed in the next five years.
In the second phase, 10 more divisions are to be taken for plantation followed by the rest of the 5 divisions of the state. One hectare of land is planning to accommodate 1100 plants under the scheme, added Kumar.
Those rare, endangered and threatened species of plants identified for plantation are Sita Ashok, Sonacchal, Anola, Harre, Bahera, Neem, Bel, Satawar, Kalmegh, Banda, Kalihari etc.
According to Kumar, this will enhance the seed production areas of these species and will activate the village forest management committees of the state and the industries as well besides increasing the scope of income generating activities through forest and non forest activities.
In order to prevent the endangered species of medicinal plants, the forest department has also established a herbal demonstration nursery on one hectare of land in Petarwaar in Bokaro. More than 200 species are being maintained there, most of which have been collected from the wild forests of the state.
“Training in nursery technique for medicinal plants and herbs at the demonstration cum training nurseries of Petarwar and Ranchi is being undertaken for the last two years where local people as well as forest officials are trained in identification and use of medicinal plants,” Kumar said.
Under the scheme, the districts taken for plantation in the second phase include Giridih, Khunti, Bokaro, Simdaga. lohardaga, Saraikela, Dumka, Garhwa and Hazaribagh (south division).
Gumal, Dhanbad and Chaibasa (north division) Gardhwa (north division) and Hazaribagh (eastern division) will be taken for plantation in the third phase.