(a) the details of the programmes being implemented to encourage herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation in the country particularly in North-Eastern States;
(b) the assistance provided to each State for the purpose during the last three years and the current financial year;
(c) the success achieved as a result thereof during the said period; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to stop the extinction of many valuable medicinal plants?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA):
(a) A Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Technology Mission for Integrated Development of
Horticulture in North-Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and
Uttaranchal is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation under
which assistance is being extended to the farmers for cultivation of medicinal and aromatic
plants. Besides, the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare is providing assistance to encourage cultivation of medicinal plants in the
country including North Eastern States.
(b) The State-wise details of assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture &
Cooperative for the development of medicinal and aromatic plants in the North Eastern States
during 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 is given in the enclosed statement. The State-wise details
of assistance provided by the National Medicinal Plants Board Medicinal Plants Board in the
North Eastern States is given in the enclosed statement.
(c) and (d) Under the Technology Mission in North Eastern States, an additional area of
1125 hectares of medicinal plants and 1683 hectares of aromatic plants have covered.
As a precautionary measure to conserve and to stop the extinction of valuable medicinal
plants, the Government is providing assistance for establishment of nursery and progeny
gardens and is promoting ex-situ and in-situ cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.