The Hindu Business Line : GCC in pact with corporates for herb collection

GIRIJAN Co-operative Corporation (GCC) is tying up with corporates and research institutes for extracting, processing, and preservation of more medicinal herbs from the forests of the State.

Currently, GCC is collecting six herbs and the number will rise to 35 during the current year.

Of a procurement target of Rs 62 crore, GCC is to spend Rs 3 crore for procuring medicinal herbs.

"So far we could procure only six herbs. Now we have obtained permission to procure a total number of 35 medicinal species," the GCC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr A. Vidyasagar, told Business Line.

The corporation earned profit of Rs 16 crore on an all-time high turnover of Rs 160 crore in 2004-05.

During the current year, the annual action plan with an outlay of Rs 325 crore has been approved.

The new herbs for which permission has been granted include jaji (flower), mulla vanga (fruit), Saraswati aaku (whole plant), and adda sara (leaves).

The leaves of Podapatri can be used to prepare capsules for the rheumatism patients.

"There is tremendous demand for our herbs. Whenever required, we will take the assistance of consultants and freelancers and make use of existing laboratories," Mr Vidyasagar said.

He added that training programmes for tribals and the GCC staff on collection of the 35 types of herbs would be undertaken by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Research Centre and the AP Forest Academy.

The preservation process was also quite crucial and all efforts would be made to add value to the herbs, he added.

"The herbs are not only valuable but will provide a regular income to the tribals.

For instance, Chenchus in Nalamalla, and Yanadis in Chittoor and Cuddapah districts will get income during the lean season - July to October."

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page