Developing Agro technology for High Value Himalayan Medicinal Plant Chirayita (Swertia cordata)

Details:

Collection of high value medicinal plants from natural habitat is one of the main sources of returns to the marginal households living high in mountains. The medicinal plants trade in Himachal Pradesh involves 165 species growing in wild or cultivated in the state. Regular harvesting in a destructive manner has reduced population of medicinal plants and has threatened their existence. With SEED-DST support Himalayan Research Group (HRG), Shimla started working on developing agrotechnology of selected species of an important herb commonly known as Chirayita (Swertia cordata) with active participation of organized women groups in high altitude village of Gohar Block in Mandi District.

Kamrunag — a group of 16 women were trained in semi-processing of Chirayita by HRG. It helped in reduced the agriculture operations inside forest and discourage the use of inorganic inputs. It enabled marginalised women to save time and reduce their drudgery.

Principal Investigator: Dr Lal Singh, Director, Himalayan Research Group (HRG), Shimla-171002 H.P. (India)

Implementing Agency: Himalayan Research Group (HRG), Core Group, SEED-DST, Umesh Bhavan, Chotta Shimla, Shimla-171002 H.P.

Funding Agency: SEED Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST)