A group of Dalit farmers have been motivated by the Department of Horticulture, Tirunelveli, to cultivate Tulsi in a cluster on 10 hectares under the National Mission for Medicinal Plants (NMMP) at Melakarisalkulam village in Vasudevanallur block this year. Under the scheme, a subsidy of Rs. 6,000 per hectare is given to the farmers.
Twenty two farmers, who benefitted from the mission, were involved in the cultivation on 10 hectares as it yielded desired results, S. Raja Mohamed, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Tirunelveli, told The Hindu on Thursday.
The district had the potential to cultivate Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum, a multi-purpose herb, used both in garlands for pujas and for medicines. It was also used in perfumery and cosmetics, he said.
“Tulsi, known as basil leaves, is a fairly common plant in Indian households. The plant is considered to be holy by people of different religions. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill-effects of stress. This herb helps to relieve headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold and even migraines,” he said.
V. Palanichamy, one of the beneficiaries under the scheme, who availed himself of a subsidy of Rs. 2,400 for tulsi cultivation on one acre, said he managed to earn around Rs.1,000 every day by selling 300 bunches at Rs. 3 to Rs. 4 per bunch at Sankarankoil and Rajapalayam markets during the Tamil months of Aiyppasi and Markazhi for pujas in temples, besides selling dried leafy bunches at Rs. 50 per kilogram to herbal manufacturers at Manur and Rajapalayam during lean season.
Over the last two months, this herb fetched good price in markets as their income rose to Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000. Nurseries of tulsi were also being prepared continuously to cultivate this herb for months together, as it ensured a regular income throughout the year, he said.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/tulsi-helps-farmers-cluster-net-good-income/article6663878.ece