Assam: Immunity booster 'giloy' all set to transform village

GUWAHATI: Sonapur village on the outskirts of Guwahati has been adopted by the department of environment and forest and PNRD (panchayat and rural development) as 'giloy village' by undertaking a mass cultivation of this medicinal plant which aids in boosting immunity. Each family in the village has been given three saplings to take the initiative forward.
On Thursday, about 3,000 saplings were distributed among the villagers of Kachutali at the office of the Sonapur Gaon Panchayat.
"We are planning to adopt six more model villages, four in Kamrup Metropolitan district and two in Kamrup district. Panchayat officials will monitor them. We urged the people to cultivate the plant commercially for its rich medicinal values and ever growing demand in the market. Giloy acts as an immunity booster," said DFO Dimpi Bora of the social forestry division of Guwahati.
She said the State Medicinal Plant Board is popularising giloy cultivation for its immense health benefits. "Giloy is rich in compounds that can keep various health problems at bay. A powerhouse of antioxidants, giloy helps to fight free radicals and keep cells healthy. It eliminates toxins, purifies the blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections. It's also a good immune-modulator and helps to strengthen the immune system. It is ideal for people suffering from coughs and colds, or for those who are prone to stomach infections," said officials.