The Vasavas – a major tribe in Gujarat–AADI AUSHADHI- have deep knowledge of their habitat including traditional medicinal plants about which they have learnt and preserved over millennia. However, much of their knowledge is preserved in oral tradition and there are hardly any written records and documentation of their rich traditional medicinal knowledge.
Aadi Aushadhi,
Being the pivotal project of Dr. Lancelot Dcruz, a Bombay Born in 1961, is a unique Social Enterprise which aims to promote the socio-economic development of the Vasava Tribals. Besides, edutaining them about the good farming practices in the workshops, making them utilize their much fertile lands in a more productive way, Dcruz has helped them to make money out of their rare ancestral medicinal recipes producing products, like Tulsi, Brahmi, Sap Kachri and many more that are much in demand in the international market as they do wonders. Thus, Aadi Aushadhi, by developing a solid base of detailed studies of the ethno-medicinal wisdom of the Vasava tribal and documenting of over 250 plant species belonging to over 75 families, protects the tribe’s exclusive traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.
Five Key Areas Covered by AADI
Social Education (group formation)
Financial Support (initiating thrift and credit)
Natural Resources Management (starting profitable production methods including organic farming)
Market Engagement (setting up a network and retail outlets for sale)
Product Innovation (diversifying and developing unique herbal food products)
A COMMUNITY OF IMPORTANCE
The Vasavas comprise a prominent part of the tribal population-the principal inhabitants of a belt of prime forest cover, the Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary area – in the Dediapada forests in South Gujarat, where an estimated one hectare of forest area is reported to house 1,200 forest species. The significance of this belt of 59,312 hectares of sprawling forest covers stems from the fact that they are the last remnants of a dwindling bio-heritage. The area has assumed greater significance in recent times as it forms the major portion of the Sardar Sarovar Dam submergence area.
OBSERVED NEAR EXTINCTION
Dr. Dcruz, a 57yr-old wise entrepreneur, while completing his Ph.D. in “tribal medicine” from The Gujarat University, realized that over the last few centuries, this tribal knowledge base has been diluted with increased influences from the mainstream culture. This together with absence of streamlined regulations, standardization and quality control is leading Adivasi medicinal knowledge to the verge of extinction. Thus, he concluded that ironically despite their rich traditions of indigenous medicine, Vasavas remain within the lowest economic strata of society. And if not worked sincerely for them, the tribe’s culture and wisdom would have been irretrievably lost leaving them entrapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and disease.
CLEARING THE CLOUDS
“We had a totally new concept for the market and even for the tribes as well. And, thus, acceptability was the major challenge for us. People want and rely on programmes with clear blue print. In this case, difficult times shoot up in convincing them”– Dr. Lancy Dcruz, Prof. Botany, Xavier’s Institute, Ahmedabad
The Tribal mob obviously runs out of education and since the organization’s scale-up and business model are plat-formed at “tribal population”, the innovators had serious odds in their buckets, of which they beautifully overcame with consistent efforts and dedication.
CARVING THE PANORAMA
And now they run a 115-membered organization that is expected to mark a no. as high as 500 very soon. With a processing and marketing unit at Dediapada, they have developed different herbal and medicinal products. Besides, they marketise it through a network and four retail outlets across the state of the Prime Minister.
Aadi Aushadhi, thus, has made significant contribution in improvement of land quality, water management, good agricultural practices, medicinal plant cultivation, harvesting training, product making and marketing till now.
Medicinal plants are now exported from India in four forms: dried plants or plant parts; isolated and purified active ingredients/intermediates; ayurvedic, Unani, Siddh; and homeopathic formulations. This also includes range of herbal cosmetic products.
RECOGNITIONS
BACKED BY NABARD
SPECIAL RECOGNIZANCE OF GUJARAT BIODIVERSITY BOARD
WON ABS AWARD FOR INDEGENOUS MEDICINAL UPLIFTEMENT
Quick observation and brain-storming at mind are the two blessed qualities of an innovator according to diligent Prof., entrepreneur and social worker Dr. Dcruz. So, what are you waiting for? If you find qualities like one and have strong determination to work extra-ordinarily, then prepare yourself, you can definitely be the next!
GLOBAL ASPECT
Global Herbal Market Estimates
USD 60 billion
China Leads With
30% to the world market
Estimated Growth Rate
10-15% annually
Market Value of Traditional Medicines
USD 20 billion
USAGE OF HERBAL DRUGS
Cardio Vascular 27%
Respiratory 15.3%
Digestive14.4%
Hypnotics and Sedatives 9.3%
Miscellaneous 12%
INDIAN ASPECT
Indian Annual Production of Herbal Drugs
INR 1000 million
Medicinal Plant Value
INR 50.0 billion
Anticipated Export
INR 5500 million
1650 540
Herbal Formulation Major Plant Formulations
In Indian market