Invited lecture: Intercropping Systems for Augmented Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (original) (raw)
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Medicinal Plant Crops-Important Source of High Value-Added Products
2016
Medicinal and aromatic plants play a central role, not only as traditional medicines used in many cultures but also as raw materials for other bio-based products. Economical feasibility is the main interest to bring a species in cultivation but it is also a substantial limitation as long as sufficient raw material can still be obtained at a lower price from wild-harvest. The number of medicinal and aromatic plant species currently in formal cultivation for commercial production does not exceed a few hundred worldwide (FAO). Cultivation can also have conservation impacts, as some wild species are being over-exploited. Medicinal plant production through cultivation, for example, can reduce the extent to which wild populations are harvested, but, on the other hand, it also may lead to environmental degradation and loss of genetic diversity. A limiting factor for starting new crops is represented by climate changes which already causes major environmental effects. The selection of a veg...
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Many traditional healing systems are based on natural biological resources, and there is a general shift in most parts of the world towards natural medicine, with direct implications on the demand and supply of medicinal plants. This review highlights the economic importance of medicinal plants, their contribution to healthcare systems, and potential opportunities for rural economic development through cultivation. A systematic literature review with specific search terms related to medicinal plants was used to collect scientific and non-scientific information from peer-reviewed literature and grey literature databases. The findings indicate that trade in medicinal plants is increasing, and although they are considered minor crops compared to major food crops, their value is among the highest in the list of traded plants globally. The trade also serves as a revenue source for many rural livelihoods, with women playing a significant role. Medicinal plants contribute to primary health...
Potential Role and International Trade of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in the World
European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Before the dawn of civilization, humans have hunted and gathered, and the only trustworthy sources of medicine were plants and herbs. The needs for traditional medicine, which are present in both local and international markets, are met in large part by medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Due to the abundance of medicinal plants, people in many tribal and rural parts of Bangladesh, like many other nations, have traditionally relied on nature and natural remedies to heal themselves and avoid ailments. The market is flooded with items made from medicinal and aromatic herbs. Plants can be used to produce specialty materials like biocides, cosmetics, medicines, essential oils, dyes, and colorants. Most of the species of MAPs are produced for such industrial uses, but most of them are still wild collected. The increasing demand in botanicals results in a great trade from local to international level. Identifying the significant role played by MAPs in serving health and well-being secur...
Abstract Considerable efforts have been made in SAARC countries to sustainably manage the rich medicinal and aromatic plants resources for promoting responsible commercialization during the last 15 years. However, desirable outcomes have not been achieved to date in terms of conservation of biodiversity, improvement of livelihoods of producers, and overall development and growth of MAP sub-sector. Balancing the three pillars of sustainable development—social, environmental, and economic—has been one of the key challenges in MAP sector interventions wherein the role of private sector is vital. Although the traditional impediments—population growth, poverty, and ignorance—continue to have an influence, new drivers of change such as climate change, globalization, and growing human health problems including pandemics such as avian flu, Ebola, and HIV AIDS have added new challenges but are also indicating some opportunities. The markets for natural products, especially pharmaceuticals, food, and nutrition products, are growing steadily. Medicinal, aromatic, natural dye and nutritional plant products are estimated to command a market of more than USD $80 to 100 billion. But with the rise in demand for MAPs, there is also a rise in biodiversity loss and an increase in the income gap of the poor producers and rich whole manufacturers and marketing agencies. It is therefore paramount that in order to develop MAP sub-sector wide development a sustainable supply and value chain strategy is necessary to be developed at national and SAARC regional levels so that the sub-sector as a whole can grow in a sustainable and equitable manner. This will first and foremost require planning intervention at the MAP producers and collector’s level in terms of improving their knowledge; organization and overall living standard without whose participation the very forest and MAP biodiversity within it cannot be protected and conserved. For such a development model, which is now widely called value chain development (VCD) and sustainable and green growth model, conservation and development of natural capital or ecosystem services will be extremely critical. Many SAARC member country economies, especially those of mountainous countries such as Nepal and Bhutan are highly dependent on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), especially MAPs and associated high value foods such as Cordyceps and Mochella mushrooms. Their role can be enhanced through the use of proper technologies and good agriculture and harvesting practices (GAP and GHP). A number of SAARC countries already have NTFP/MAP specific policies, institutions and governance systems that are implementing sustainable management of MAPs, ensuring an equitable flow of benefits to the people involved through VDC and private sector involvement. Many of these public, private and traditional institutions that have evolved over last 50 years have led to a number of good practices that have been helping indigenous and local communities to cope with immediate health and livelihoods challenges often protecting them against the consequences of globalization and climate change. In the SAARC region, pro-poor value chain development pilots developed, nurtured and up scaled using the knowledge generated by research and development organizations, capital infused by private sector, and policy and institutional reforms initiated by the governments can uplift the MAPs sector to dominate the traditional and complimentary systems of medicine worldwide along with China and ASEAN countries.
2018
8 Abstract: Though innovations for sustainable management of natural resources have emerged over 9 time, the rising demand for nature based health solutions and integration of endemic flora into global 10 value chains could have adverse impacts on ecosystems. The ecological risks in the exploitation of 11 wild medicinal plant resources are exacerbated by a myriad of agrotechnological risks and challenges 12 that highly constrain their domestication. Successful exploitation and commercialization of medicinal 13 plants thus require a clear understanding of their demand and production systems or value chain 14 analysis. Accordingly there is need for innovative approaches towards their integration into global 15 value chains. Since quality and safety, traceability, certification, as well as, consumer tastes and 16 preferences are critical drivers in purchasing decisions by global consumers, they are inadvertently 17 exploited to weaken Indigenous knowledge (IK), undermine common propert...