Vol. 7, Special Issue 6 (2019)
Issues and opportunities for startup of small scale enterprises through medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in Bihar
Author(s): Shivnath Das, Prabhat Kumar, Ajit Kumar Pandey, Ranjit Kumar, Ajay Kumar Das and Sangeeta Kumari
Abstract: India has been considered as a treasure house of valuable medicinal and aromatic plant species. Some attempts have just begun to encourage farmers to cultivate medicinal plants. In the present context of 'back to nature' in health care, it is relevant that these valuable plant species are not only conserved but also promoted for commercial cultivation in order to meet the increasing demand within the domestic and export markets. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are perceived as diversification crops in Indian agriculture due to growing recognition of natural products, being non-narcotic, having no side-effects, easily available at affordable prices. Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAPs) contribute significantly to rural economy and health security of the country. More than 90% of the formulations under the Indian systems of medicine contain plant-based raw materials India exports herbal materials and medicines to the tune of nearly 600 corers annually and herbal based drug industry in the country is valued more than 4000 corers annually. In Bihar, area under MAP cultivation is 2600 ha only which is far below the national average. Thus, the status of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants cultivation is still negligible in Bihar. Though commercial cultivation of Mentha and Lemon grass are picking up in the state but still a lot of efforts are required to observe the real impacts of MAPs cultivation. The time is right to utilize the global demand for Indian medicinal plants and their chemicals by sustainable production of quality herbals through scientific cultivation of these crops. Thus, development of suitable agronomic practices for MAPs is crucial to convert these plants into economically viable components in existing cropping systems of Bihar. Therefore, it is necessary for individual state to motivate farmers towards profitable cultivation of MAP crops for their livelihood security in rural area.
Pages: 476-479 | 490 Views 121 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Shivnath Das, Prabhat Kumar, Ajit Kumar Pandey, Ranjit Kumar, Ajay Kumar Das and Sangeeta Kumari. Issues and opportunities for startup of small scale enterprises through medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in Bihar. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2019; 7(6): 476-479.
