SRIKAKULAM:In a development that is likely to change the face of Srikakulam among the districts of North Coastal Andhra, South Korea has evinced interest in the cultivation of medicinal plants and setting up of drug manufacturing units in the district. Considering the strength of the soil and climatic conditions, a South Korean team is contemplating to take up cultivation of a large number of medicinal plants and herbs, including the rarest of the rare, and sbsequently set up drug units.
“The Korean team has shown interest in taking our turmeric and cashew fruits and wished to bring high quality seeds of drum sticks, soyabean and pineapple to the district. With the help of the Indian agency, the South Korean team already started its operations as a pilot project in Sarubujjili in the district,” district tourism officer N Narayana Rao said.
Srikakulam district is home to a large number of medicinal plants and other-related plants. Over 125 medicinal plant species are found in the wild. For the last several centuries, Ayurvedic practitioners and drug manufacturing companies have been collecting medicinal herbs, dry fruits, roots and leaves from the district to promote Ayurvedic medicines.
The Korean team recently visited various places and collected data on the medicinal plants from the district administration. A study team led by Namdong Cheon, visited several places including the forest areas of Sitampeta, ITDA.
“The district has high potential for the cultivation of medicinal plants and also natural resources for setting up drug manufacturing units. So we requested the South Korean team to take up the activities,” collector P Lakshmi Nrusimham said. The collector welcomed associates from South Korea and explained the district’s strengths and available infrastructure. He also explained to them the ‘Savara Vaidyam’ (tribal’s medicare with medicinal plants), in which the team has shown keen interest.
“Medicinal plants and herbs curing major human ailments are available in plenty in the district. Paralysis, diabetes, obesity, TB, skin diseases, cancer, snakebite, rheumatoid arthritis, leprosy, jaundice and hundreds of other human diseases can be cured with the medicinal plants of Srikakulam district. However, the government was not taking any initiative to take up cultivation of the plants. The collector’s new initiative is highly welcome. If things go as planned, Srikakulam will be one of the top districts in the field,” said practising Ayurvedic doctor Radhikavalli.