By Peerzada Ishtiyak, IUCN CEM Member, on 20 September 2024.
The Indigenous system of medicine, rooted in the use of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), has been practised for therapeutic benefits since ancient times. Archaeological evidence supports the fact that early humans used herbs to treat ailments, with plants found in the grave of Neanderthal man in Iraq buried 60,000 years ago and ‘Ice Man’ of the Swiss Alps frozen for 5300 years being of medicinal value. The World Health Organization reports that 60% of the global population and 80% of those in developing economies still rely on herbal medicine for primary healthcare. MAPs are no longer recognised as food and medicine for the poor only. Their contributions to foreign exchange earnings, driven by the increasing consumer demand for diversified bioactive compounds and products for various industries, are readily identified. The global herbal trade, valued at $120 billion, is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2050. India, home to over 1178 tradable MAP species, contributes significantly to its trade value, though it still holds a modest global market share.
Kashmir Valley of India, with its rich biodiversity and centuries-old traditional knowledge systems of ethno-medicine, holds vast potential for MAP cultivation. Historical accounts highlight the region’s deep connection with medicinal and aromatic plants, including mentions in Rajtarangini and the works of Dridhabala, Walter J Lawrence and Col. R.C Chopra. Notable, researchers have identified over 600 medicinal and aromatic plant species in Kashmir to date, most of which are in high demand nationally and internationally. However, unsustainable wild harvesting practices have placed many important species under different threat categories, jeopardising both the ecological balance and the livelihoods of those dependent on these resources. Despite growing market demand, the MAPs sector in Kashmir has not realised its full economic potential due to over-exploitation, poor quality control, and concerns about the efficacy and toxicity of herbal products, among others.
Moreover, the absence of focused research & development (R&D) and poor quality regulations has contributed to resource degradation, reduced biodiversity and economic stagnation in the sector. Therefore, a socio-ecological resilience approach ensures long-term sustainability and promotes economic prosperity. This approach emphasises balancing the needs of the environment and the local communities through promoting sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and domestication of wild medicinal plants for resilient livelihoods in the potential areas of the region. Research and developmental efforts are vital to this transformation. High-yielding varieties, careful analysis of wild plants, and systematic cultivation can increase productivity and profitability. Equally important is establishing robust quality control mechanisms, such as providing certified germplasm and conducting phytochemical analysis to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal products. R&D focused on medicinal plants’ chemical and pharmacological characterisation will also help substantiate traditional claims and create opportunities for new drug discovery, contributing to economic growth and public health in the Kashmir Himalayan region.
In recognition of these needs, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has strategically focused on revitalising the MAPs Sector through documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge, resource assessment, collection and conservation of MAPs germplasm, development of production and commercialisation technologies of significant MAP species of the region. These efforts are part of a broader mission supported by the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) of Jammu & Kashmir Government, which aims to promote sustainable cultivation, value addition, and marketing of MAPs at large scale. Establishing the “Centre of Excellence on Herbal Technology” at the Faculty of Forestry of SKUAST-K further demonstrates the university’s commitment to innovation in this field. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the centre is focused on research in crop improvement, molecular taxonomy, and the identification of bioactive compounds with potential applications across various industries. The socio-ecological resilience approach integrated into SKUAST-K’s initiative aims to promote sustainable cultivation practices that restore and maintain MAP diversity while fostering economic prosperity for local communities. The centre also serves as a hub for farmers and entrepreneurs, offering support for quality control and incubation to capitalise on market opportunities. SKUAST-K’s efforts will contribute to the conservation of MAPs and generate economic opportunities by addressing ecological challenges and fostering community resilience. The project’s ultimate goal is to transition from the mere trade of raw herbs to the commercialisation of high-value products and extracts, transforming the MAPs into a revenue-generating powerhouse for Jammu & Kashmir. This holistic transformation will preserve the region’s rich biodiversity while contributing to economic development and ecological sustainability.
Dr Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad is an Assistant Professor cum Scientist with the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST Kashmir, India. He is also handling an HADP Project on MAPs. He is also a member of IUCN Commission on Ecosystems Management.