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24 July 2026

Sustainable cultivation of Picrorhiza kurroa in Himalayas

This topic provides a concrete case study on sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region, which is useful as illustrative context for GS3 environment and agriculture questions.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) is a high-value medicinal herb native to Himalayan alpine and sub-alpine regions (2,700-4,500 metres).
  • The species is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • Kutki is included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), regulating international trade.
  • Traditional destructive harvesting involved uprooting the entire plant, threatening wild populations.
  • Sustainable cultivation involves harvesting only the 'stolons' (creeping side stems with nodes) while leaving the mother plant intact for perennial production.
  • The Himalayan Research Group (HRG) developed the sustainable harvesting technique under the Department of Biotechnology’s Himalayan Bioresource Mission.
  • Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, has established a significant private land cultivation cluster involving approximately 180 farmers.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of sustainable cultivation models in preserving endangered medicinal flora in the Himalayan region, with special reference to Picrorhiza kurroa. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the role of international conventions like CITES in the conservation of biodiversity. How can community-led sustainable cultivation practices bridge the gap between economic development and ecological preservation? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. With reference to Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), consider the following statements: 1. It is native to the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas. 2. It is listed in Appendix II of CITES. 3. The medicinal properties are found in the fibrous roots. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-24/sustainable-cultivation-of-picrorhiza-kurroa-in-himalayas