CIMAP,IPCA join hands to grow herbs for anti-malaria drugs in UP

The herb is used to extract artemisinin,a compound used in development of anti-malarial drug. The technology for chemical extraction of the medicinal molecule has also been developed by the CIMAP.

“We have perfected the technology to extract artemisinin. Last year also,we had signed a similar agreement with the IPCA for cultivation of the herb in around 500 acres of land. But this time,the company’s demand has increased to 50 tonnes of artemisinin per year,for which the company is keen for contractual cultivation of the plant in 3,000-5,000 acres,” said A K Singh,the head of the Technology & Business Development Division,CIMAP.

The herb,which has its origin in China,was introduced some 10 years ago in India by CIMAP,said Dr Singh. “We have agro-technology and improved variety of the herb with us. We will be providing the technical assistance as well as seeds for commercial cultivation of the plant to about 200 farmers from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Some of the cultivators from Bihar are also being contacted for this,’ said Singh.On the occasion,the CIMAP also released a new variety of mint named ‘CIMAP-Patra’ which has menthofuran in it,a substance that is being exploited by various industries for blending and evolving new aroma,said Singh.