Vol. 10, Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Hariom Katiyar

Abstract:
Wild medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are facing increasing threats worldwide due to unsustainable harvesting, habitat degradation, and growing commercial demand. These pressures not only endanger plant biodiversity but also jeopardize the livelihoods of millions who rely on MAPs for traditional medicine and income. Sustainable cultivation of MAPs provides a promising alternative to wild collection; however, it is constrained by technical, economic, and institutional challenges. This paper reviews literature to identify the major barriers to sustainable MAP cultivation, including overharvesting and biodiversity loss, agronomic constraints, fragmented markets, weak regulatory frameworks, and knowledge gaps. It also highlights opportunities such as integrating MAPs into agroforestry systems, adopting sustainable production practices, developing improved cultivars, implementing certification standards, enhancing farmer training, and promoting value addition. Case studies from Odisha and the Western & Central Himalayas illustrate both the challenges and successful strategies for sustainable MAP production. The analysis underscores that participatory, resource-based approaches—combined with supportive policies, scientific research, and stakeholder engagement—are essential for transforming the MAP sector into a driver of biodiversity conservation and rural development. By aligning conservation goals with economic incentives, sustainable MAP cultivation can secure the future of these valuable plant resources while improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities.