ISLAMABAD, Sept 18: The ministry of food, agriculture and livestock (MINFAL) has launched a project to promote cultivation of a highly medicinal herb “Kutth” now in danger of extinction due to over-exploitation.

An autochthon of Himalayas in Northern Areas, it is found at the height of 11,000-13,000 feet above sea level in Astore, Minimarg, Kalapana, Qumri and Bhoj Pattar. Alkaloids and essential oil obtained from this plant are used in treatment of diseases of chest, heart, high blood pressure, asthma etc.

The MINFAL, assisted by the Alpine Medicinal Herb & Rule Welfare Organisation, Gilgit, has devised the project that would not only save this natural resource from extinction but also go a long way towards improving the economic conditions of the areas of remote Himalayan region, Dr Aslam Gill, Commission for Special Crops in the ministry, told Dawn.

In fertile and conductive environment, its roots fan out over a wide area and provide substances for highly useful compounds. Besides, practitioners of traditional medicine, it is also utilised by the pharmaceutical industry in the West.

Kutth plant proliferates particularly in areas which generally receive heavy rains and snow. In some of these areas, rains up to 250 millimetres have been recorded, while the day temperature in summer ranges between 20 and 25 centigrade.

Besides medicines, the substances extracted from its roots are also quite popular as ingredients of scents. The local people, however, find it useful as an antidote against infectious diseases, particularly, as cure of dental problems and also as insecticide against plant pests.

In view of its high cash value, the AJK government prior to 1947 had established its monopoly over its removal from the production areas. Under a law “Kutth Regulation, any violation was punishable with 14 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs10,000.