Origin and distribution

Origin and distribution

    • The plant is native of Madagascar and from there, it has spread to India, Indonesia, Indo-China, Philippines, South Africa, Israel, USA and other parts of the world.

    • In India, it is being grown in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam in an area of about 3000 ha.

    • Farmers prefer it because of its wide adaptability and its ability to grow in marginal lands and its drought tolerance.

    • The presence of alkaloids all over the plant confers immunity to cattle – browsing and crop loss due to pilferage.

    • The USA is the world’s largest user of this plant as raw material. A single firm which has the patent to manufacture Vinblastine and Vincristine sulphate has been consuming more than 1000 t of leaves annually.

    • West Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the UK are interested in the roots. The total demand from these countries is more than 1000t of roots annually.

Last modified: Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 5:34 AM