Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that a rare Indian Wild medicinal herb of Himalaya viz. ‘Kutki’ (Picrorhiza Kurroa Royale) is facing serious threat from a fungal disease, powdery mildew;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to save this rare drug from fungal disease and also its conservation?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a)& (b): Yes, the Government is aware that a fungal disease, powdery mildew, sometime infects the Indian medicinal herb of Himalaya viz. ‘Kutki’ (Picrorhiza kurroa). Thepowdery mildew disease is caused by a fungus named Podosphaera fuliginea and it infects the aerial parts of the herb.
(c): The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH has prioritized this endangered medicinal herb ‘Kutki’ (Picrorhiza kurroa) for its cultivation and conservation. To help cultivation, the NMPB has published Agro-technique ofPicrorhiza kurroa which also covers the disease management aspect.
For conservation of Picrorhiza kurroa in wild/ its natural habitat, under Ministry of AYUSH’s “Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants”, the project based support is provided to concerned States. Further, to spread awareness among farmers and stakeholders about preserving ‘Kutki’ (Picrorhiza kurroa), including its vulnerability due to fungal infection, from time to time workshops are also organized.
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