Keedajadi - Great for immunity and Keeda jadi is found in the Himalayas at a height of 3,500 to 5,000 meters above sea level. It is believed to have fatigue-reducing and power-enhancing properties as a result of which it is in great demand globally especially in countries like China.Several families especially those living in remote areas like Dharchula in Kumaon as well as Chamoli in Garhwal are dependent on its collection as the main source of their livelihood. “Less collection of keeda jadi has created a crisis in many families in the region this year,” Mohan Singh, a farmer of Rapti village in Munsyari told TOI. He added that an average family used to collect 250-500 grams every year “but this year, the collection is not even 10% of the usual.” Experts meanwhile said that over-exploitation of the herb was more to blame for the less collection this year. CS Negi, head of the department of zoology, PG College, Pithoragarh, who has been conducting research on the herb for several years, said, “In search of keeda jadi, hundreds of people camp in the bugyals (meadows) for 2-3 months. They also collect those herbs which are not fully ready yet. As a result of this, its life cycle is not being fully completed and this affects its reproduction as well.”

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