Shot in the arm for ayurveda medicinal herb cultivation

Fourty farmers will be selected from different parts of the country under the 'Gama Neguma' programme to cultivate Ayurveda medical herbs to meet the shortage of Ayurveda drugs.

In the initial stages, the medical herbs such as 'Elabatu, Heenaratta, Katuwelbatu, Binkohomba and Sevendara will be cultivated,to minimize the imports from India, the Minister of Indigenous Medicine Tissa Karalliedda told the Sunday Observer.

Earlier, we spent a lot of money to import those medicines,he said adding that the cultivators would be provided the necessary raw materials and technology. This project would create many job opportunities as well.

Agricultural implements and agri-wells would be provided. The harvest could be purchased by the Ayurveda Departments, the minister said.

CM