7 months ago
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The Geographical Indication (GI) tag sought of nannari, a medicinal works wide being cultivated successful the Western Ghats areas of Kanniyakumari district, volition springiness a chiseled individuality to its root, which has agelong been utilized to nutrient assorted by-products, says V. Raghu, 1 of the applicants.
Recently, Mr. Raghu from Modhiramalai, S. Sarasan from Adakadu, some members of Tamil Nadu Malaivazh Makkal Sangam, on with Patent Information Centre of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), sought GI tag for the nannari cultivated successful Kanniyakumari to beforehand the region’s unsocial earthy treasure. The exertion process was facilitated by Noorul Islam Centre of Higher Education (NICHE), Kumaracoil.
Speaking connected the initiative, Mr. Raghu said promoting the merchandise astatine a higher level would boost nannari basal concern opportunities among ‘Kaani’ tribespeople successful the district. “The works has a woody rootstock, which is shade-dried for astir 1 week, earlier being taken to the market,” helium added.
“High output play for the works is betwixt November and January,” noted Mr. Raghu. Mentioning the by-products of the dried root, helium said the powdered dried basal was commonly mixed with chromatic for medicinal purposes, portion concentrated lipid and essence extracted from it were utilized to hole herbal lipid and celebrated ‘Nannari Sherbet’.
“The terms of 1 kilogram of dried nannari basal tin spell up to ₹1,700,” Mr. Raghu said.
According to a prof from NICHE, nannari, (Indian Sarsaparilla), scientifically known arsenic Hemidesmus indicus, is characterised by its chiseled fragrance, precocious saponin and hemidesmin contented and superior medicinal quality, compared to varieties grown elsewhere. High attraction and bio-active compounds of the basal contributed to its cooling, digestive and detoxifying properties, helium added.
He noted that the works thrived successful lateritic and sandy loam ungraded of Kanniyakumari with precocious rainfall and humid tropical climate.
In the district, regions including Thiruvattar, Marthandam, Kulasekaram, Pechipparai and surrounding areas supply perfect increasing conditions for the plant. The Travancore District Manual besides mentions the taxon successful its conception connected ‘Medicinal Plants of Travancore’, describing it arsenic a autochthonal medicinal herb mostly utilized by Siddha and Ayurveda physicians.
The cultivation method of Hemidesmus indicus successful the territory typically involves manual harvesting from selected fields that avoids usage of dense chemic fertilizers, relying alternatively connected people enriched ungraded zones. For optimal medicinal use, roots are collected aft 2 to 3 years of maturity, cleaned, shade-dried and stored. Its grounded pulverization is besides utilized to impart chiseled flavour to assorted dishes.
S. Vincent, Member Secretary, TNSCST, told The Hindu that the works was wide cultivated by tribal communities successful Kanniyakumari district. “The precocious attraction of compounds successful the basal immunodeficiency successful digestive process and acts arsenic a earthy coolant for body,” helium added.
He said obtaining a GI tag would assistance beforehand the merchandise astatine the nationalist level. “The TNSCST volition assistance successful selling and enhancing its visibility,” helium added.
