Question : MEDICINAL PLANTS

(a) whether the Government have formulated any plan to harness and utilise the richest and unlimited potential of medicinal plants in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons for neglecting this ancient and traditional system of health cases;

(d) whether the Government are aware of the immense reservoir of medicinal plants in Garhwal Region of Uttar Pradesh particular in district Chamoli and Rudraprayag; and

(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government to harness and develop this immense potential medicinal plants?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. RITA VERMA)

(a)&(b): Steps are being initiated for development and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. A proposal is also being processed for setting up of Medicinal Plants Board for this purpose.

(c): Does not arise.

(d)&(e): This area is rich in medicinal plants. One High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre of HNB Garhwal University at Srinagar, Garhwal (UP) is working on various developmental activities involving medicinal plants. Central assistance has also been provided to this organisation for Cultivation and Development of Agro-techniques of medicinal plants.