Medicinal plants from plantations in Olovo, Doboj, Ahmići and Jablanica will revive the company ‘’Prirodno Bilje” (Natural Plants) from Banja Luka and will once again support the project of the commercial cultivation of plants that was begun by women from rural areas.
The project was organized by USAID and the Swedish International Development Agency SIDA through the organization of schools for the cultivation of medicinal herbs. During the training, participants had the chance to gain knowledge on the cultivation of new products, branding, packing and promotion. The project includes training, selection of subcontractors, division of plant materials and signing of a contract with the company ‘’Prirodno Bilje”.
The Director of the company, Nedjeljko Kusturić said for eKapija that he is satisfied with the cooperation with the subcontractors, who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding medicinal herbs, harvesting and drying.
‘’There is money in this business, but the road to prosperity is slow and demanding. In any case, production is profitable, a market for it exists, and the demands for exports continue to grow with every passing year. As a rule, the activity for the first year counts as an additional source of income, the second year of operation with coming up with different selection, and in the third year local leaders will emerge who will turn it into a professional activity’’, says Kusturić.
He says that during this year over 30 types of herbs were selected, which include marigold, basil, thyme, hyssop, parsley, etc. The number will increase in the next years and will be shipped in large quantities.
