Kattupadavalam, a variety of Trichosanthes cucumerina, had earlier enjoyed good demand from ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies that purchased the herb in large quantities. No animal attacksThe cultivation had been carried out in nearly 10 tribal settlements in the Marayur sandalwood division. Tribespeople of the Marayur sandalwood division in Idukki district harvesting snake gourd (kattupadavalam). The main tribal settlements where snake gourd is cultivated include Karpoorakudy, Kuthukallukudy, Nellipettykudy, Kavakudy and Vengaparakudy. Deemed a key ingredient in ayurveda medicines, the variety grown in Marayur is considered to be of better quality.

Source: The Hindu April 23, 2021 12:41 UTC