Zandu Foundation for Health Care (ZFHC) started the ‘First’ Biotech – KISAN Hub of Gujarat at Ambach. A part of Department of Biotechnology’s (GoI) novel initiative is to promote cultivation of quality medicinal plants through sustainable use of bio-resources and generate additional income for local farmers.

This hub has been led by ZFHC in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ambheti and ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand.

Initially, five therapeutically significant and commercially viable species like Kaunch(Mucunapruriens), Ashwagandha (Winthaniasomnifera), Senna (Senna alexandrina), Madhunashni(Gymnemasylvestre) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) have been identified for cultivation by using agro-technology developed by the institutes who are involved in this project.

In an inaugural program recently held at Ambach, attended by more than 300 farmers, planting material of Kaunch, Ashwagandha, Senna, Madhunashni and Brahmi were handed over to select farmers by Dr. Mohd. Aslam, Sr. Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, the Chief Guest of the occasion.

ZFHC will also mediate to facilitate the buy-back of the raw material cultivated by the farmers. A Green House facility, created by ZFHC to support this venture was also inaugurated. A publication capturing the significant contribution of ZFHC in the area of cultivation of medicinal plants for the last 30 years was also released on the occasion.