Intercropping Systems for Augmented Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (original) (raw)

Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Chinese, Unani, Siddha and Tibetan primarily based on medicinal plants are once again gaining mounting credibility across the globe. The last three decades have seen substantial markets growth in herb and herbal product such as health foods and supplements, herbal drinks and various health and personal care products. Also, rapidly rising exports of medicinal plants during the past decade attests to worldwide interest in these products. According to an estimate, the domestic market for medicinal plant-based products is growing at an annual rate of 20% while the international market is growing at 7% per annum. However, bulk of the plant materials traded domestically and internationally are still wild harvested. This has created a tremendous pressure on the natural resource base and has reached crisis point for some species. With dwindling supplies from natural sources and increasing global demand, the MAPs are need to be cultivated to ensure...