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| Tuesday, 22 February 2005 |
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New lease of life for Ayurveda by Afreeha Jawad Keeping head above water and for how long, God only knows is the traditional medical system. Not enough the high cost of hard to find herbs, making matters worse is the high import costs on these herbs that are in short supply and even at times extinct on home soil. Turning a blind eye to such happening and a deaf ear to what those involved in this system have to say, will soon find Ayurveda itself drawing to a close in this country - not to forget the externalities of allopathy pressurising to down whatever is left of ayurveda.
Its treatment itself with an unrecorded history - as old as the earth's existence is rooted in Indian soil heavily patronised by kings both here and in that country. Famous herbaria such as Roomassala in Unawatuna and Dolkanda in Wayamba not to forget the famous Sinharaja forest continue to be harnessed while replanting itself is at a standstill. By the way what happened to those Ayurvedic outlets introduced in five star hotels following state orders? Is it that the 'native' in 'refined' environs was something infra-dig. Be that as it is, Ayurveda's plight is not without the concern of K. A. T. B. Jayawardhane, Chairman, Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation who spoke to the Daily News recently.
The Corporation's annual investment itself is a neat Rs. 110 million. Reputed for high quality - perhaps the only place when it comes to standards, the Corporation has always remained that way regardless of whatever political party that roosted at its apex. For a country reputed for not sparing a single organisation in its politicisation drive regardless of political leanings, that the oils and decoctions of this institution remained undiluted is itself creditworthy. The stuff that goes into the numerous decoctions or arishta as is referred to in the local tongue is chosen from the most expensive of ingredients for the satisfaction of the tongue that expects high quality. The dried raisins with seeds is a special variety which comes from across the Palk Straits for which the price tag per kilo is a tidy Rs. 500. This time according to Jayawardhane the EDB cess enforced from November on it is 20 per cent - relieved of duty - yet a big blow. The raisin containers cost itself was Rs. 460,000. Another high brow import ingredient - this time from Spain is Kunkumum or saffron fetching a lakh. Incidentally it's only Spain that grows the best of such and also the biggest importer. The already highly priced 'kasaaya' packets - a mixture of herbs, roots and leaves sky rockets when bimkhomba is included, what with this stuff fetching a good Rs. 4,000 a kilo. Though locally available, its scarcity alone has propelled prices into incredible realms. The Forest Department also vested with conservation powers resists herb gatherers intruding into where such is grown. Believably the bimkhomba planted by the Indigenous Medicine Ministry will take as long as 40 years for harvesting. Red Sandalwood for which the Corporation finds difficult access with India prohibiting exports, costs Rs. 1,000 a kilo and is a fast depleting herb with a few here and there left in the deep south. Here too the ministry's attempts in growing it is currently under way and the yield is expected close upon half century or so. The Corporation spends exorbitantly on herbs as it is more inclined towards quality production and not wholly profit oriented. Jayawardhane also informed the postponement in any particular drug or oil preparation, should there be a shortage of even one item. Herb growing on a commercial scale has already started with the most commonly used ones among which are katuwalbatu, araththa ala and vadha kaha. In Anuradhapura 150 farmer families are given half acre plots for a mixed cultivation of these varieties. In 2001 katuwalbatu grown on 20 acres by 40 farmers was a raging success - which harvest was the Corporation's big 'buy' at a price of Rs. 65 a kilo much to farmer happiness. The Indigenous Medicine Ministry helped each farmer with water pumps, wells, seeds and other accessories valued at Rs. 75,000. "Significantly there was no chemical fertiliser used - only cow dung," he said and noted the assurance of a ready market that kindled farmer enthusiasm. On the cards is a popular fad catching on like wild fire. A cosmetic and beauty care products venture costing Rs. 250 million has been well received for which the treasury has invited developmental proposals from the Corporation. The Corporation's intended foreign collaborated ventures certainly needs not caution but total cancellation as any such element's involvement itself let alone leave a black mark on this institution will also be a starter for overthrowing whatever is indigenous to the other's favour. As is widely known, the base for western medicine is got from ayurvedic medicinal plants. Even a famous supposedly health sustaining beverage's main component is a local herb which anonymity is withheld for good reasons. The existing premises housing the Corporation warrants space expansion to keep abreast of its growing needs and Jayawardhane waits in anticipation to see the completion of a laboratory and three storied building which work will commence in March this year. Responding to a charge of outdated medicine being distributed by the Corporation to the various municipal dispensaries, Jayawardhane counter-argued "How come when nothing remains here to be distributed even as outdated" - leaving room for greater attention on his part to be vigilant down the line as the old saying goes 'There's many a slip between the cup and the lip'. |
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