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Getting serious?

Getting serious? to prevent the patenting of traditional Indian knowledge of medicinal and aromatic plants by multinational companies, the Indian government has set up a task force which will suggest ways to protect the country's legal rights on such plants and also enhance international trade in these items. The task force, which was set up by the deputy chairperson of the planning commission K C Pant, will be headed by commission member D N Tiwari.

Speaking to Down to Earth , Tiwari outlined the three-pronged approach of the task force: "A national board on medicinal plants will take care of harvesting of herbs and domestic supply. The newly-formed National Bio-resources Board will collect all possible research information on these plants. It will also discuss and promote the registration of medicine and para-medicinal plants. The third approach would be to debate on the conservation policies regarding the rich Indian biodiversity.'

"The task force will adopt an integrated approach towards the development, sustainable exploitation of medicinal and aromatic plants and the action plan will address all issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights of these herbs. For this if any legalisation is needed, that would be done,' says principal advisor, science and technology, planning commission, Narendra.

He added that the project would take into account the economic needs of tribals and locals who live in areas where these plants grow. "They have to be taught about the sustainable agro-techniques that are available. The economic benefit of this project must also reach them. The pharmaceutical companies are also to be blamed. They never take into account the need for regeneration of herbs. If they locate a herb, they harvest it but they never re-plant it for the future. In this way we are losing these precious herbs,' says Narendra.

He added that India's share in world trade would increase ten fold with little investment, provided there is an integrated approach. "There are 20 species with very high potential which can be grown in different parts of India through scientific approach to harvesting,' Narendra explained.

"The state governments will have a vital role to play, along with the ministries because the forests are also their responsibility. ngo s will also be asked to give their views,' says Narendra.

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