Wild to Wellness: Cultivation and Commercialization of Swertia cordata (Chirata)

Details on score above existing knowledge/technology and the novelty of the work?
The shift from wild harvesting to structured ex-situ cultivation and localized processing ensures ecological conservation and economic upliftment. Consumers benefit through validated, safe, cost-effective wellness product.'

Explanation of the science/technology behind the work?
This work revives Swertia cordata, a traditional Himalayan medicinal plant, through scientific validation and sustainable cultivation practices. By integrating phytochemical research and antimicrobial testing, the initiative replaces destructive harvesting from nature with structured, eco-friendly production. The result is a validated herbal wellness remedy that benefits both community livelihoods and public health. Standardized harvesting and FSSAI-compliant processing led to development of value-added products like Chirata tea sachets.

Process of the research or process of development of technology.
Two species (S. chirayita and S. cordata) were tested for cultivation, but only S. cordata adapted well to cultivation. HRG validated traditional and published research claims of Swertia cordata scientifically across labs (NBRI Lucknow, HP University, private labs). The result was a quality-assured wellness product, “Chirayita Tea Sachets,” through Farmers Producer Company for marketing online and at the sale counter for Liver Detox & Digestion as per FSSAI License Green Tea (Herbal Infusion) Category. (https://www.amazon.in/Chirata-Herbal-Infusion-Digestion-Support/dp/B0F26M322F

Publication/Patent details as well as funding organization.
NA

How did it benefit people? - Number of people
500