COIMBATORE: To promote research, development and academic programs related to medicinal plants for the benefit of Indian System of Medicine, students, farmers and public, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University here today entered into an agreement with Arya Vaidya Pharmacy.
As part of research activities, TNAU would take efforts for standardisation of crop production practices for important medicinal plants required by AVP, which at present use 30 types of plants, herbs and species, Dr Maheswaran, Director of Research, told reporters here.
Stating that it would strive for development of good agriculture and organic practices for medicinal plants in demand by AVP, he said that there would be standardisation of post harvest techniques to manage pest and disease during storage.
When asked about the demand and market for such medicinal plants, AVP Managing DIrector, P R Krishnakumar said that a survey in this regard was not not conducted.
But there was huge demand for such plants and herbs, since this system of medicine was becoming popular not only in India but abroad also, of late.
Moreover, the Centre, under its AYUSH project was also promoting Ayurveda, which will also give boost to the production of medicinal plants in large spanse of land, he said, this can be cultivated as inter crop in coconut groves.
TNAU will develop new curriculum for Diploma/Cenrtificate course affiliated by the University in collaboration with AVP on medicinal planrts, nursery, garden maintenance, organic farming, awareness on ayurveda and goshala organic products, Maheswaran said.
Stating that awareness would be created among the farmers on the need of such plants and also guarantee to purchase the plants, Krishnakumar said that AVP was now now bringing Ashwagandha, a herb from the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, which can be cultivated in Southern India and beneficial both for farmers and pharmacy.