Question : CULTIVATION OF AROMATIC PLANTS IN NER

(a) whether there is great potentiality for the cultivation of aromatic plants in the North-East Region (NER) of the country;

(b) if so, whether the Government have set up any committee for identification of the areas in the NER where the aromatic plants could be grown;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated for encouraging the farmers for the cultivation of said plants in the region during the last three years, Year-wise; and

(d) the action taken for the commercial cultivation and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c): The Government of India has set up a National Medicinal Plants Board on 24th November, 2000 with specific mandate to coordinate, formulate policies, conserve and develop medicinal and aromatic plants in the country including North Eastern Region. The Board has made available Rs.534.66 lakhs in North-Eastern region for 35 projects in the field of development of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Besides, under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North-Eastern States including Sikkim, funds amounting to Rs.67.24 crores have been made available during 2001-02 in the Region for all round development of horticulture including medicinal and aromatic plants. During 2002-03, under the scheme, funds amounting to Rs.120.00 crores have been provided for implementing its programmes in the area.

Further, funds amounting to Rs.9.46 lakhs and Rs. 6.43 lakhs have also been made available through Directorate of Arecanut and Spices, Ministry of Agriculture, to Regional Research Station (CSIR), Jorhat and Assam Agriculture University respectively for production and distribution of quality planting material of aromatic plants and establishment and maintenance of herbal gardens in the region.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Department of Bio-technology have been supporting research and development projects on various medicinal and aromatic plants in the country including North-Eastern region.

(d): Medicinal Plants Board invites marketing project proposals relating to medicinal and aromatic plants. The Board has approved one such project for Tripura.