C'garh plans to start large scale production of herbal drugs

In a bid to give a thrust to the herbal drugs industry under its 'Make in Chhattisgarh' vision, the state government is contemplating to start manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines on a large scale.
As per the plan, Ayurvedic drug manufacturers would be invited to set up herbal drug production units in the state, based on public private partnership (PPP) mode.
"Under 'Make in Chhattisgarh' initiative, we are planning to give a boost to the manufacturing of Ayurvedic drugs in Chhattisgarh, which is famous as herbal state with its bountiful natural resources of forests and agricultural fields," Forest Minister Mahesh Gagda told PTI.

The demand for plant-based therapeutics is increasing in national as well as international market as they are natural products, non-narcotic, having no side-effects, easily available at affordable prices and sometimes the only source of healthcare available to the poor, he said.
Besides, in states like Chhattisgarh, it provides the means of livelihood to a large population, specially the tribals who are involved in collection of medicinal plants and fruits.
Therefore, sustainable development of medicinal plants sector could positively contribute towards the overall economy of the state as well as its people, he said.

The Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board, in its survey, has identified occurrence of around 2,021 medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the state.

They are mainly found in Abhujmad region, Bailadilla hills, Kanger Reserve and Kurchel valley in Bastar division and in some parts of Surguja division in north Chhattisgarh.
The actively traded MAPs from the state are Bhui Aonla (Phyllanthus amarus), Baheda Chhilka (Terminalia belerica), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum tuberosum), Aama Haldi (Curcuma amada), Bhelwa Fruit (Semecarpus anacardium), Van Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum), Dhawai Phool (Woofordia fruitcosa)and about 100 others.