Live Gene Bank of Medicinal Plants
REPORT ON Date: 09-09-2008

The Kerala State Council for Science and Technology and Environment has introduced a project for creating a live gene bank of rare and endangered medicinal plants in each Panchayat. The Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) at Palode will be the implementing agency.

Titled “Herbs for All and Health for All” the participatory Programme seeks to promote home remedies based on traditional practices and endemic medicinal plants as an element of health management. It also focuses on conservation and cultivation of plants traditionally used for food and medicine. Revival of traditional dietary habits is another objective. Another highlight of the project is the creation of a fund for home remedies in each Panchayat. Each of the families in the selected Panchayats will be encouraged to contribute one rupee to the fund daily. The collection will be used for emergency medical assistance

The action plan involves an awareness programme for villagers, on epidemic prevention and training in conservation and sustainable exploitation of plants used for food and medicine. They will also be taught to prepare simple herbal combinations used as home remedies for common ailments. Training will be imparted in homestead level cultivation of medicinal plants.

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