My experiments with the wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) : Some useful observations of recently completed experiments at SAMPDA'S research farm

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh based non-governmental organisation SAMPDA (Samagra Adivasi Medicinal Plants Development Association) is one of the well known and reputed NGO's of India engaged in promotion of organic cultivation, conservation, processing, marketing and all other related aspects of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants. Although its activities can be seen in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh but its main research farms and experimental fields are at Kondagaon. This NGO has focused its initial research on Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Guarpatha (Aloe vera), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon species), Asgandh (Withania somnifera), Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Anatto (Bixa orellena), Ratanjot (Jatropha curcas) and Australian Acacia species. I am associated with this NGO as herb expert and with the members and researchers, conducting both laboratory and field experiments on various aspects of these new crops, since last five years. The results of these experiments at first rich to farmer's field directly and after this success, the results are sent for publications in national and international journals in form of research notes and papers. Last week I visited to Kondagaon to monitor the existing experiments. The encouraging results of these experiments motivated me to write a separate article.

Common and popular names of Bixa around the world.
Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1) Assam	Jarat, Jolandhar
2) Bengal	Lotkan, Latkhan, Watkana
3) Myanmar	Thideng, Thidin
4) Cambodia	Chompuh chralok
5) Kanarese	Arnattu, Bangarakayi
6) English	Annatto, Annotto, Arnatto
7) French	Achiote, Achote, Anate, Bichet
8) Gujarati	Sinduri
9) Hindi	Lotkan, Latkhan, Rangphal
10) Malyalam	Kuppamannal, Kurannamannal
11) Marathi	Kesari, Kisri, Sinduri, Shendri
12) Philippines	Anate, Atola
13) Portuguese	Arnotto
14) Sinhalese	Kaha
15) Spanish	Achote
16) Tamil	Amudadaram, Avam, Kungumam, Manjitti
17) Telugu	Jabura
18) Uriya	Gulbas, Guliabha, Japhoran, Lotkans, Sakta

In the experiments on intercropping we tried several species viz. Kamhar (Gmelina arborea), Annato (Bixa orellena), Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Lemon grass, Acacia species, Eucalyptus, Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Neem, Bakain etc. with Safed Musli. These experiments revealed that all of these combinations are feasible with some modifications. In laboratory experiments, we have evaluated the allelopathic effects of different parts of these species on growth and yield of Safed Musli. We are also studying the allelopathic effects of Safed Musli on these species. Although there is difference in laboratory and on field experiments, but from screening point of view, the laboratory experiments play a vital role. After confirmation at laboratory level, we have conducted these experiments in eight different locations at various farms situated in different corners of Bastar region. Many of the experimental plots were in dense forests where the wild species of Safed Musli grow naturally. I have written a lot on the benefits of Safed Musli-Banana intercropping in my previous articles. The Neem- Safed Musli intercropping was found effective in terms of crop protection, whereas Kalmegh-Safed Musli intercropping, resulted in less infestation of insects specially Deemak (Termites). The inter-cropings with these species are so effective as one can see the results visually. In these farms, large termite mounds are common. The termites living in these mounds attack the other crops as well as sole crop of Safed Musli but in intercropping system, they do not dare to attack on these crops. These experimental results will make the Safed Musli crop more popular among farmers. The works on Gene bank and Ethno Medico Forest (EMF) are also in progress. In Gene bank, we have preserved over 20 herbs collected from different parts of Chhattisgarh. Our emphasis is on Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). At present we have over sixteen wild species and this collection is increasing at good rate. I am proud to write that this is world's only Gene bank for Safed Musli herb. With the help of other innovative herb growers, we are maintaining some more gene banks at Chhattisgarh Plains and Northern parts. With the objective of waste land development, we have tried many species of medicinal plants on worst soils, (in terms of fertility). The experiments on Safed Musli revealed that Safed Musli crop can be grown successfully in these waste lands with improved cultivation practices. In Rajnagar research farm, we are successfully taking Safed Musli and Sarpgandha crops, through intercropping system. This is really surprising and the challenge for the researchers. Mr Raja Ram Tripathi, one of the founder members of SAMPDA and well known herb grower of Chhattisgarh, is taking keen interest in these experiments and through his practical experiences providing valuable suggestions and inputs. This is the scientist-farmer interactions that is resulting in successful experimentation, the important thing, our research organisations are not understanding its importance. As crop protection measure, the researchers of SAMPDA are screening local tree species known in the region for its specific utilities. In commercial cultivation of Safed Musli crop the vermi compost is very useful in different aspects. For the interested herb growers, this organisation is conducting special training programmes very frequently and also providing earthworms free of cost. I will write more on the results of experiments in progress focused on different Indian medicinal and aromatic crops.

As the information, or more specifically the scientific information of Safed Musli cultivation and other aspects are not available with the herb growers, I personally feel that these experimental results and articles, will help these growers in more-effective ways. I have found the internet, the most powerful communication tool as the results published in science journals limit to few scholarly readers. This is good sign that the non-governmental organisations of Chhattisgarh are actively engaged in conservation of valuable herbal assets.

Thank you very much for reading the article.