The Lust for an Aphrodisiac

Maharashtra’s politicians are now getting into the business of virility enhancers

Politicians have a yen for virility. Remember how Governor ND Tiwari was caught in bed with three women in a secret video filmed at his official bunga­low at the ripe old age of 85?  In Maharashtra, however, they have used their, er, passion to make some money too.

Many politicians in the state are now cultivating a plant called safed musli which is a key ingredient in so-called virility enhancers. The root of this plant is in demand from pharmaceutical industries which pay a very high sum to cultivators. One of the largest cultivators in the state is former minister and MLA Swarupsing Naik, whose farms are located in far-flung Chandrapur district, a tribal zone.

The plant was being culti­vated in a small measure by tribals and used for consump­tion within their hamlets. Naik then decided to exploit the commercial value of safed musli. Emulating Naik, many others have also entered the fray and in a way struck gold. One politician discloses that it is the new cash spinner in po­litical circles. “I keep a small measure for personal con­sumption. The rest is bought by companies. The demand for safed musli has increased with buyers going up,” says the politician.

Interestingly, politicians who cultivate this plant shy away from the public glare. “It is an aphrodisiac and we are growing it. It is not good on a politician’s CV,” admits the politician.

According to sources in the agricultural department, the acreage under cultivation has risen significantly in the past few years, particularly in trib­al districts of Maharashtra. Politicians in other districts also employ tribals to look af­ter their farms.