Medicinal Plant Cultivation and Conservation in the Himalaya: an Agenda for Action

Abstract

This paper highlights strategy for large scale cultivation and long-term conservation of medicinal plants involving different stakeholders in the Himalaya. It is emphasized that the focus of the cultivation could be protection of endangered species and/or achieving the target of higher income by raising and cultivating market demanding species. The paper discusses selection of potential Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) broadly recommended for the region and ways and means of domestication, value addition, product formulation, processing, conservation, infrastructure, and R&D support desired for cultivation of medicinal plants. Designs for marketing and possible funding sources are also given. It is highlighted that if cultivation of MAPs is planned properly, it could emerge as a potential sector to support largc number of people with high revenue generation.