Studies on growth and biochemical contents of blackgram varieties (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) under sago effluent stress.

Abstract :

The Medicinal Plant Development Area (MPDA) in Doddabetta covers an area of 195.32 ha and falls in the revenue villages of Udhagai Rural, Thuneri and Thummanatty of the Nilgiris district. Cinchona plantation was established in the Nilgiris, a century ago to produce large quantities of quinine sulphates, the prime anti-malarial drug. In over a century and quarter of its existence it has saved millions of lives. However, the importance of quinine as the prime anti-malarial drug has declined substantially with the advent of new synthetic drugs. Due to less demand for the drug from Tamilnadu, the Cinchona department was closed subsequently. The MPDA was established to rehabilitate the labour force in Cinchona department and in due course of time it has evolved into a self- sustaining venture based on sustainable cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants. The present study was attempted to explain the success story of MPDA which was entirely managed on joint forest management principles by the local communities.

Questionnaire survey was attempted to collect primary data from the stakeholders themselves. During the study, 139 respondents were interviewed which included males (n=120) and females (n=19). The present study has recorded fourteen plant species under cultivation at Doddabetta MPDA. Among the medicinal plants, Thyme was cultivated in more area (8.50 acres) followed by Rosemary (5.80 acres) and Java Citronella (3.40 acres). Among the seedlings, Rosemary was more preferred (8938313) followed by Thyme (n= 1255635) and Geranium (n=743900). Apart from the medicinal plants, Shola tree seedlings (n=15000) and Tea seedlings (n=2500) were also raised and planted in the vacant spaces to improve the forest cover.

Till date 16257.66 liters of oil was extracted from fourteen different plants during 1994-2012 at Doddabetta MPDA. Eucalyptus (Blue Gum) alone had given 15836.400 liters of Oil which was higher than any other plant, which was about 55.2%. Other plants such as Cypress (n=118.575 liters) and Geranium (n=117.560 liters) were also utilized for essential oil production. The cost benefit ratio between raw materials and cost involved for oil extraction during 1994-2012 revealed that Rs.136061.30 was paid for the collection of raw material and 20% share was given as per the MOU, to the Forest Department till 31st March 2012. Totally 706 people are living at Doddabetta MPDA. The sex ratio between Male and Female was 1:1.05. When compared to the March 2002 survey, the socio-economic parameters such as owning of radio, tape recorder, house and own land were missing in December 2012 survey. On the contrary, television numbers have increased. It shows there had been significant life style improvement of the people living in the MPDA.