Context
Farmers in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh have successfully adopted the scientific cultivation of Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), a critically important Himalayan medicinal herb that was once threatened due to overharvesting from the wild. The initiative promotes biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and medicinal plant cultivation.
About Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
| Particular | Details |
| Scientific Name | Picrorhiza kurroa |
| Family | Plantaginaceae (earlier Scrophulariaceae) |
| Common Name | Kutki |
| Habitat | Alpine and sub-alpine Himalayas |
| Altitude | Approximately 2,700–4,500 m above sea level |
| Plant Type | Small perennial medicinal herb |
| Medicinal Part Used | Underground rhizomes (stems) |
| Major Uses | Liver disorders, digestive ailments, fever, and traditional Ayurvedic medicine |
Why is Kutki Important?
- One of the most valuable medicinal herbs of the Himalayan region.
- Widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and traditional medicine.
- Known for its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
- High commercial demand has led to excessive harvesting from forests.
Conservation Status
| Organisation | Status |
| IUCN Red List | Vulnerable (VU) |
| CITES | International trade regulated to prevent overexploitation (where applicable under national export regulations) |
| India | Listed among priority medicinal plants under various conservation programmes |
Sustainable Cultivation Model
Researchers from the Himalayan Research Group (HRG) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) developed a community-based cultivation model.
Key Features
- Shifted farmers from wild collection to scientific cultivation.
- Propagation through rhizome (stolon) planting.
- Farmers harvest only the underground stolons while allowing plants to regenerate.
- Reduces pressure on wild populations.
- Generates an additional source of income for mountain farmers.
Scientific Cultivation Method
- Stolons are planted about 4–5 years after field establishment.
- Underground stem (stolon) is harvested.
- Upper portion with roots is replanted.
- Enables continuous regeneration of the plant.
- Ensures sustainable production without destroying natural populations.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Picrorhiza Kura |
Q. With reference to Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), consider the following statements:
1. It is a medicinal herb native to the alpine Himalayan region.
2. The medicinally important part of the plant is its underground rhizome.
3. It is naturally found in tropical coastal forests of India.
4. Scientific cultivation helps reduce pressure on wild populations.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b)
• Statement 1 is Correct: Kutki is native to the alpine Himalayas.
• Statement 2 is Correct: Its medicinal value lies mainly in the rhizome (underground stem).
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: It grows in high-altitude Himalayan regions, not coastal forests.
• Statement 4 is Correct: Scientific cultivation reduces dependence on wild harvesting and aids conservation.