The coleus forskohlii.
The area under medicinal ‘coleus’ (botanical name:
‘coleus forskohlii’ and in Tamil ‘Marunthu Koorkan) cultivation has
increased in Attur region this season, thanks to favourable market
conditions.
The ‘coleus’ is cultivated on about 700
hectares in Salem district. Attur, Thalaivasal and Kallakurichi are the
major coleus production centres in the district.
“Forskohlin”,
an alkaloid in roots, is used in the treatment of blood pressure and
‘Glaucoma’ eye ailment and also all kinds of nervous disorders. Coleus
has anti-histamine and anti-asthma health benefit. It promotes weight
loss in obese patients. Harvested tubers are cut into small pieces and
dried under shade until it reaches eight per cent moisture level.
In
Tamil Nadu, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Villuppuram districts are the major
medicinal coleus production centres. In Attur region, contract farming
of coleus gained popularity among small and marginal farmers. It is easy
to grow and a profitable crop for the farmers.
According
to M. Selvapriya, agriculture consultant, this crop is raised during
the months of June to October and well drained red loamy soil is suited
for cultivation. Crop duration is six to seven months. The crop yields
15 to 20 tonnes per hectare fresh tubers and 2,000-2,000 tonnes per
hectare dry tubers.
Source: The Hindu
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