Central Scheme Announced To Boost Cultivation Of Medicinal Plants

Panaji, 10 Sept 2020:

The Goa state medicinal plants board has invited applications from farmers interested in cultivation of medicinal plants under national AYUSH mission’s scheme titled ‘scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants’.

Three varieties of medicinal plants are under consideration – stevia, the leaves of which are used as a sweetener and sugar substitute; pipli or Indian long pepper which is used to improve appetite and digestion, as well as treat stomach ache, heartburn and indigestion, and Kokum, which is famed for its pharmaceutical and culinary uses.

The scheme mandates that farmers can avail of Rs 1.3 lakh per hectare in an area of 12.5 hectare for stevia plantations. For growers of pipli and kokum, the eligibility is Rs 27,000 per hectare in an area of 20 hectare.

Farmers owning a Krishi card or a Kisan credit card or those with ownership documents for the land being cultivated are eligible to apply for the scheme. The last date for applications is September 30.

The Goa state medicinal plants board has also announced that anyone interested in growing any other species of medicinal plants may also submit their expression of interest. The Times Of India