On account of increasing acceptance of traditional system of medicines and mushrooming of the manufacturing companies of herbal-based products, there is urgent need to actively work towards the cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants, according to Dr Indira Balachandran, project director at the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research at Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala.

This increase in the acceptance of the traditional treatment system results in hike in demand for medicinal plants for manufacturing medicines, nutraceuticals, healthcare products and cosmetics.

Addressing the medicinal plant cultivators of north Kerala as part of a seminar organised by ayurvedic medicine manufacturers’ organisation of India (AMMOI) at Thrissur in Kerala, she said for the preservation of these biological wealth, there is need to promote their sustainable utilization. Even though India is the largest producer of medicinal plants, the collection of plants is in a destructive and unsustainable manner for want of established methods. Ninety per cent of all the raw drugs are collected from the forest areas.

“We now need improved techniques for harvesting, post-harvest treatment and storage of medicinal plants and aromatic herbs.  Large quantities of plant parts go waste during harvesting, semi-processing and storage. Studies done on the existing practices of harvesting and storage processes have revealed that there are many shortcomings in the current practices, and strict protocols have to be evolved to ensure sustainable utilization of plant parts. Harvesting methods should ensure that the product is harvested sustainably and the source is conserved. Production and processing standards must ensure hygiene, quality and shelf life of the produce,” Dr Indira said.

Later speaking to Pharmabiz, Dr Indira said the sustenance and promotion of ayurvedic drugs depend on the availability of genuine herbs to the industry. This can be achieved only by conserving the left-over forest and promotion of medicinal plant cultivation.

According to her, the cultivators need training in farming, harvesting and the post-harvest process. A timely monitoring of their work will help for sustainable resource management. Awareness regarding the need for cultivation of herbs, selection of species for cultivation, technical know-how, buy-back arrangements, etc.. have to be made by the authorities concerned. Selection of species should be based on the demand on the industry and also the duration of the crops. Secondly, a relation of partnership should be established between communities and managers, and communities and researchers. It should be ensured that the harvest is taken place at the right time and at right method. Collection of parts/seeds from plants during improper season leads to wastage and poor quality.

She said a study conducted earlier at Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala in association with International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Canada has helped in identifying the shortcomings in the existing practices of harvesting, semi-processing and storage of medicinal plants and other herbs.