ITAHARI: Tulsi (basil) is no longer confined to the status of just a sacred plant worshipped as a manifestation of god Vishnu throughout the country. Farmers in a VDC of Sunsari district have started growing the prized herb commercially.

An increasing number of farmers is taking up basil farming in Letang VDC thinking that it could be a good source of livelihood.

Many Hindus grow basil plants in their courtyards to worship them. The leaves of the basil are used to treat many skin conditions as well as ear-aches, fever, cough, bronchitis and diabetes.

Farmers say they started basil farming seeing that the plant can be converted into cash. “Earlier, we didn’t know basil is such a money-fetching plant. After knowing this, I am into basil farming,” said a farmer of Letang, Hari Prasad Kafle. “We are earning good money from basil farming.” Similar is the tale of another farmer Ram Prasad Kafle.

“A company called Easy Multi-trade International told us that basil is a good source of income.

I have been growing tulsi in a big way and in return earning handsome money,” said Kafle.

Earlier, each villager in Letang used to plant just one sapling of basil. Many people here are growning basil instead of paddy this year. Basil farming is hassle-free and pays thrice a year. One can harvest it three times a year and there is no dearth of market. Easy Multi-trade International buys all the basil grown here at between Rs 40-50 per kg.

Basil farming has become a hit here due to its special features such as low investment, less tension and little effort, said a teacher Ganesh Kafle. “I think other crops will be completely displaced from Letang from next year. The entire VDC will grow tulsi,” he added.