Munchee initiates cultivation and conservation of kothala himbutu

A project was launched   recently by Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) Munchee to popularise the cultivation of kothala himbutu, in the village Maradankalla in the North central province.

Kothala himbutu is a plant well known for the efficacy management of diabetes and widely used in the Ayurvedic preparations. Traditional practice is to harvest kothala himbutu from the natural forests and due to this destructive method of harvesting the herb is facing the danger of extinction.

After years of extensive research with ITI, CBL has been able to manufacture a biscuit incorporating the extract from kothala himbutu, which will be an ideal snack for the health conscious consumer.

The objective of the project is to introduce kothala himbutu as a crop to the company’s widely spread out grower farmers. These cultivations will be a source of supply for newly introduced kothala himbutu biscuits. The project will also enhance the family income of the cultivators through a buy back scheme while conserving the herb in its natural habitat.

CBL has a 12,000 strong out grower farmer base scattered over the dry zone of Sri Lanka growing green gram, soya and maize for the manufacture of company’s cereal based products such as Samaposha and herbal porridges. Kothala himbutu will be the latest addition to the farmers cropping system.

The ceremonial planting was done by Minister of Agriculture of the North Central Province K.H. Nandasena and Provincial Commissioner of Ayurveda Kumara Alwis at the invitation of Chairman CBL Micky Wickramasinghe with the participation of a large number of farmers of the area.