IHBT RELEASES CULTIVARS OF MEDICINAL CROPS

Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology has developed one composite cultivar of Valeriana jatamansi "HIMBALA" suitable for cultivation in western Himalaya at locations situated above 1300 m altitude and one cultivar of Hedychium spicatum "HIMKACHARI" suitable for locations situated around and above 1300 m altitude.

Valeriana jatamansi

Hedychium spicatum

It is commonly known as Muskbala and Indian valerian. It is a medicinal herb distributed in temperate Himalayas between 1500-3500 m altitude in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and north-east hill states. Roots of V. jatamansi are in demand by pharmaceutical industry for its essential oil and valepotriates. It is used as tranquilliser and stimulant. It is also used in epilepsy.
The cultivar HIMBALA is propagated by seeds. The seeds are sown in March-April. The seedlings take about 4-5 months to be hardened. The suitable time for planting HIMBALA is July to September. The crop requires about 45 t/ha of organic manure (Farm Yard Manure). The plant spacing should be 40 x 30 sq cm. HIMBALA prefers well drained soil conditions. Water requirement is critical at nursery stage and at the time of establishment after transplanting in main field. If there are no well distributed rains during March to October, then irrigation at fortnightly interval is beneficial. The crop is harvested after 2 years of growth in field. The average yield of dry roots of HIMBALA is 1 t/ha at 2 years after planting. Roots contain about 4 % valepotriates (dry matter basis) and 0.4% essential oil in fresh roots.

It is commonly known as Kapur-Kachari and Spiked ginger lily. It is distributed in sub-tropical Himalaya in the state of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal at an altitude of 1000-2500 m. The underground part (rhizome) is used for treatment of asthma and internal injury. Powder of its rhizome is also used as an antiseptic agent and as poultice for various aches and pains. The paste of rhizome is given orally to the cattle and domestic animals in case of stomach disorder.

The cultivar HIMKACHARI is propagated by rhizomes. The suitable time for planting HIMKACHARI is December and January. The crop requires about 30 t/ha of organic manure. The plant spacing should be 100 cm x 25 cm. The crop is harvested after 2 years of growth in field. The average yield of fresh rhizomes of HIMKACHARI is 12 t/ha at 2 years after planting. Rhizomes contain 0.75 % essential oil on dry weight basis.
The planting material (rhizomes) of HIMKACHARI will be available in January 2006 and the seedlings of HIMBALA will be available in June-July 2006.