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J&K--Medicinal State of India
Article Abstract by:
Kashmiri
Original Author: RAJESH BHAT
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Jammu and Kashmir is not only known for the militancy across the globe. The Nature has infact bestowed
this border State of India with tremendous potential in all spheres. Whether it is the scenic beauty, high mountains, lush green meadows or brimming rivers, Jammu and Kashmir, has received all these cherished things as a great gift from the Mother Nature. Amongst all these natural gifts, the State has ideal climatic and geographical conditions for the plantation of over 125 medicinal and aromatic plants, which are yet to be tapped and need a thorough research to promote them as an alternative system of medicine.
Some of these plants are of tremendous and high value with medicinal qualities for curing even the most common or the dreaded diseases without any side or adverse effects. In the modern age and fast life when people prefer natural therapy to suit their interests and keep their body and mind fit, Jammu and Kashmir has in abundance stored for such nature-lovers. And if the work on most of these medicinal plants is religiously undertaken, Jammu and Kashmir will not only be the ‘Medicinal State of India’, but can to a large extent eradicate the menace of unemployment. What is needed is the political and administrative will, coupled with detailed research to take up the work on these projects. Dr Manoj Dhar, Reader and Head of Department of Bio-Technology, University of Jammu has undertaken certain research work on number of medicinal plants. Presently, he along with his dedicated team is working on Isbagol ( Plantago Ovata), with the aim to improve the yield of the plant. According to Dr Dhar, the Isbagol’s both husk and seeds have high medicinal value, and can be used as laxative and for dysentery without any side effects. The plant has the capability to reduce the high blood cholesterol level, which is otherwise a cause of concern for the people of modern age who mostly work under stress and strain and live on junk food.
According to Dr Dhar, plants like Solanum Khasianum, Dioscorea Compostia, Catharanthus Roses, Arthemisia Annua, Papaver Somniferum (opium plant) and Atropa Acuminata (Belladonna) have high medicinal values and can be grown in J&K. Ashwagandha, Amla, neem, Brahmi, Chirata ( found in Himalayas) , Indian Barberry, Kuth, Satavari and Safed Musli too have high medicinal values and researches have shown that they grow in wild and if grown in agriculture land, they can make high yields. He referred to a common fruit ‘Beal’ grown in Jammu as well. The fruits of Beal are picked individually from the tree, keeping a portion of fruit stalk. It is aromatic, astringent, carminative and cooling and can be used in colitis, diarrhea, dysentery and flatulence.
Dr Mahesh Sharma, an Ayurvedic Doctor of J&K Government says that there are number of drugs used in the Ayurveda which can be grown in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that trees like Amla, Bahera and harad and shrub like Ashwagandha have tremendous potential in this border State. While Ashwagandha, a great neuro tonic, can be used in rheumatism, debility from old age and has an anti-stress agent, plants like Brahami too have the similar qualities and can be used as a memory enhancer. He stated that ‘Banterpushpi’ plant , having the property of being anti-toxicant , can also be grown in Jammu and Kashmir.
The scientists posted in Regional Research Laboratory Jammu too are presently on the research job. The staff engaged with RRL Jammu said that certain research works have been conducted on Mentha Oil and Rose Oil with tremendous results. While they can be used as medicines as well as aromatics, we require more research on these subjects, said a scientist posted in RRL Jammu. While cultivation of these plants has tremendous potential in J&K, the officials of J&K Forest Department opine that Government is not so serious in taking up the same as the industry. They said that few years back, Central Government had sanctioned Rs 10-cr project for J&K under “ Vanaspativan Project and Plantation Board” to take up the work on medicinal plants being grown in J&K by involving number of departments like Ayurveda, Forests and Agriculture Department. The purpose of this project was to conduct research, train people about the cultivation of these plants and also to seek the assistance of Forest department where certain plants can exclusively be cultivated in forest nurseries. For this purpose, two places— Kangan in Kashmir and Basholi in Jammu were identified and a project reports were prepared. While some money was released by the Centre, the work has sofar remained only on papers, as the project was not vigorously pursued. ( The author can be approached on raajbhat@gmail.com)
Published: August 31, 2007
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