By U Sudhakar Reddy
Reports of steal ing medicinal plants are on rise in the state.
This has prompted the AP Bio-diversity Board to crack the whip against companies and foreigners. Recently, the Vishakapatnam task force sleuths caught a few tribals from Paderu who were trying to smuggle Nalla pasupu (black turmeric). The plant is used in HIV/AIDS drug research. Board chairman Dr R. Hampaiah said, “Nalla pasupu is found at Papikonda hills in East & West Godavari districts and at Paderu in Vishakapatnam.
It is in the endangered species list. In the International market, a kilogram of the Nalla pasupu costs Rs 20 lakh. The buyers were paying Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 to the tribals for each kg. A retired forester is allegedly helping them.” The plant has been sent for chemical examination, he added. The board is organising a national seminar at Dulapally on August 23 on bio-piracy.
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