Mission Giloy to make Kashi, Mirzapur giloy hub
VARANASI: The IMS-BHU has launched a drive under Mission Giloy in every developmental block of the seven districts in two divisions to make people aware about the benefits of giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and the ways to use it.
The project is aimed at promoting giloy plantation across the region, and its use among commoners in order that they have good immunity and stay healthy, said Sushil Kumar Dubey, a professor in the department of Kriya Sharir. He is co-principal investigator and Yamini Bhushan Tripathi, also from the faculty of ayurveda, is the principal investigator of the project.
Mission Giloy is also aimed at making Mirzapur and Varanasi division a hub of giloy cultivation, Dubey said.
Last year, the IMS-BHU faculty of ayurveda (FOA) distributed over 2 lakh plants of giloy in the seven districts, including Varanasi and Mirzapur. Giloy plants were distributed free to people under Mission Giloy, a project by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB).
Under the Mission Giloy, the NMPB provided a fund of over Rs 19 lakh. First, a nursery of giloy plants was developed with the help of a farmer in a rural pocket of Mirzapur. After the plants were ready, these were purchased from the farmer, Dubey said.
The giloy plants’ distribution was launched on the World Environment Day in Varanasi on June 5, 2020, in different areas of Varanasi, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, Mirzapur and two other districts in the region, he said.
Giloy, which is also known as Amruta, can be grown in a flowerpot, fields and also in kitchen gardens. It is highly beneficial. It is a natural blood purifier and immunity booster. Its stem and leaves can be used fresh and also in dried form. Its leaves and stems can be ground and the juice extracted, which if taken daily in the morning, can be very beneficial. Giloy’s dried leaves and stem can be used to prepare a decoction which is also very effective, Dubey said.
“Under Mission Giloy, this year, we are carrying out the drive to make people aware about the benefits of using giloy. We will appeal to people to plant at least two to five plants each in their kitchen garden or field and use their leaves and stems,” said Dubey.
Dubey said that he would appeal to farmers to grow it on their farms. They may sell giloy leaves and stems at a very good rate because it (giloy) is high in demand not only in the nation but also in several countries of the world. Its demand increased when the pandemic was at its peak.