Author(s):

Shilpa P Chowti, Shreeshail Rudrapur and Naik BK

Abstract: Indian medicinal plants are the essence of Ayurveda. They possess marker compounds or secondary metabolites having medicinal values and are commonly used to treat and prevent many diseases. The present study aims to understand the production scenario of medicinal and aromatic crops in India and Karnataka. The area under these crops has increased over the years with the annual growth rate of 1.12 per cent per annum. Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops has increased from 2, 62, 000 hectares during 2005-06 to 6, 33, 900 hectares in 2015-16. Similarly, the production has increased from 2, 02, 000tonnes in 2005-06 to 10, 22, 500 tonnes with an annual growth rate of 2.76 per cent per annum. Among states, Rajasthan is having highest area under medicinal and aromatic crops with a share of 56 per cent followed by Uttar Pradesh (25 %). In case of production, Madhya Pradesh ranks first with a share of 44 per cent and Rajasthan ranks second with a share of 19 per cent. The total exports of herbal raw drugs, including extracts was estimated and it was 1,34,500 MT and the consumption demand of medicinal plants by domestic herbal industry was estimated at1,95,000 MT. Karnataka is one of the immensely potential states for the cultivation of medicinal plants and it is the largest producer of Ashwagandha (61.65 %), Amla (9.46 %), sandalwood (9.41%) and producer of other oils like Lemongrass, Citronella, Palma Rosa, Jasmine, Tuberose and Vettiver in substantial qualities. Karnataka is blessed with a variety of climatic conditions and the tropical forests of Western Ghats and deciduous forests of Deccan plateau rich in medicinal plant Biodiversity with more than 2500 species of plants and it is called as biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, there is a need for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic crops.

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