Date:05/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/05/stories/2006030507280700.htm

National

"Uttaranchal hub of medicinal plants"

Staff Correspondent

DEHRA DUN: The Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, urged the Uttaranchal Government here over the weekend to expeditiously send him proposals aimed at developing the export potential of agriculture, medicinal plants and handicrafts as an important revenue generator for the masses.

Addressing newspersons after a meeting with agro exporters and senior officials, Mr. Ramesh said that exports did not merely mean earning dollars but creation of a lot of earning opportunities through direct and indirect employment for the poorest.

To a query, the Minister said that given the right direction the people of Uttaranchal -- known for massive social actions like the Chipko movement -- could successfully convert the State into one big enterprise where everyone gained through mutual efforts. He assured all financial and technical assistance for upgradation of cultivation, processing and marketing skills.

Urging officials to make real-time efforts to develop Uttaranchal as the capital of medicinal plants by promoting cultivation of important herbs that had a ready market, he said his ministry would clear all feasible proposals for Medicinal Plants Processing Zone.