Thriving Medicinal Village in Laxmipur Kholabaria Union, Natore

Introduction: The medicinal village of Laxmipur Kholabaria Union, situated approximately 10 km east of Natore Sadar along the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway, is a bustling hub of herbal cultivation and trade. Spanning around 15 villages, this community is home to approximately 800 families and boasts a rich production of medicinal plants. With over 1,000 herb growers involved, the village produces an impressive quantity of 20 to 30 metric tons of medicinal plants daily. These plants are bought and sold for an average price of 3 to 4.5 lakh taka per day.

Abundant Variety of Medicinal Plants: Upon entering the area, one is greeted by an enchanting sight—a line of medicinal plants adorning both sides of the road. Noteworthy among these plants are Dudhsagar, Patharkuchi, Kashaba, Ulutkamal, Karnapalash, Shimul root, Daud root Basak, Tulsi, Ghrit Kanchan, Shatmuli, Shimul, and Ashwagandha, among others. Additionally, the region is home to Basak, Tulsi, Haritaki, Bahera, Telakuch, Kesraj, Dhutra, Pudina, Yashtimadu, Neem, Arjuna, Oltakambal, Lajjavati, Hasti Palash, Nishinda, Rajakantha, Nilakantha, Himasagar, Dudhraj, Ishwar Mool, Rahu Chandal, Rakta Chandal, Bhai Chandal, Bon Chandal, Bhuikumra, Amrul, Kayamul, and hundreds of other medicinal plants.

Cultivation Practices and Production: Medicinal plant cultivation follows a specific calendar in this village. For instance, Ghrit Kanchan is cultivated in the month of Kartika, while Misridana, Shatamul, Shimul root, Hastipalash, Bijjimul, Patharkuchi, and other plants are planted during Chaitra-Baishakh. On average, the daily production of medicinal plants in the area reaches 200 to 250 maunds (around 7,500 to 9,375 kilograms). These plants find eager buyers among Kavirajs, Ayurvedics, herbal hawkers, and wholesalers from various parts of the country.

Lakshipur Kholabaria Medicinal Village Sambay Samity Limited: To collectively represent the herbalists of the medicinal village, the Lakshipur Kholabaria Medicinal Village Sambay Samity Limited was established. This organization, founded in 1973, currently has 30 members. Kabiraj Md. Afaz Uddin, a visionary and key figure in the herbal revolution within the village, serves as the founding president of this organization. In 2009, he was honored with the prestigious 'Channel I Agriculture Medal' for his remarkable contributions to the field of agriculture.

The Village Community: The 15 villages, including Kholabaria, Kanthalbaria, Ibrahimpur, Lakshmipur, Sultanpur, Chubaria, Pizzipara, Dararpur, Tolatliapara, Nahubazar, Hajiganj, and Amirganj, are home to approximately 45,000 farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation. This vibrant community consists of 100 to 120 Kabiras (traditional herbalists), 400 to 500 hawkers, 100 to 150 general traders, and 4 to 100 to 120 mediciners. These farmers cultivate nearly