Andhra jail inmates grow herbs for drug major

With a view to rehabilitate prisoners, authorities have roped in inmates in the cultivation of herbal plants required for aryuvedic medicines.

The Department of Prisons has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ayurvedic major Himalaya Drug Company to utilise services of inmates of open prisons to cultivate herbs.

Principal Secretary (Home) T P Das, who was earlier Director General of Prisons, had signed an MoU with the company in July this year.

"The cultivation of medicinal plants began at Anantapur open jail in August with the cooperation of the herbal healthcare company," Jail Superintendent S Lakshmipathi told PTI.

"Initially the cultivation began on two acres of land only. But now another four acres are used for the activity. Sowing of herbs is currently being carried out on a total of six acres of area inside the jail premises," he added.

While prison authorities have been providing necessary infrastructure like water and electricity supply, the drug company provides seeds, besides offering technical assistance,