Satavari is a female rejuvenative herb used as a general tonic, vitalizer and for increasing lactation and curing several gynaecological disorders.

The tissue culture laboratory of the botany department has already initiated steps for micro-propagation of these herbs through the technique of plant tissue culture and for commercialisation of this technology.

It has already developed scientific cultivation technology of all the three herbs and efforts are on to transfer this technology from the test tubes to the field.

Says Chander Prabha, co-investigator of the project, "Micro-propagation technique of Satavari has been developed and technologies for Safed Musli and Bhumi Amla are being standardised. Bhumi Amla has been brought under cultivation for the first time in Bihar."

As many as 300 rural women of Patna district are being trained for undertaking scientific cultivation of these medicinal herbs under the project.

A complete package, including cultivation techniques, provision of loan, insurance, marketing and free supply of planting materials, are being provided to the trainees.

With the revival of traditional Indian system of medicine in recent years, demand for herbal medicines has increased manifold. This has resulted in unplanned exploitation of natural resources, rendering several important medicinal plants endangered or even extinct.

The project will not only ensure scientific cultivation and conservation of these endangered species but also usher in an era of rural industrialisation, adds Chander Prabha.