Mechanization for value addition in medicinal, aromatic and dye crops

Abstract

The South Asian region is a veritable treasure chest of valuable medicinal aromatic and dye plants (MADPs) — herbs, shrubs, trees and vines found mostly in fragile ecosystems predominantly inhabited by rural poor and indigenous communities. These MA]JPs have significant medicinal and commercial value, but are threatened today due to lack of concerted conservation efforts and uncontrolled, exploitative trade practices leading to degradation of natural resources. Appropriate management of MADP resources can help conserve biodiversity and provide critical rural resources to build sustainable livelihoods. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), United Nations Food 9 and Agriculture Organization (FAQ), International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), and the Ford Foundation are collaborating on a South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka) wide research initiative covering technological, economic, institutional and policy solutions for organic cultivation, non-destructive harvesting, processing and profitable marketing of MADPs, and equitable sharing of the benefits to strengthen livelihood and health security of the rural poor and their fragile habitats. Through a series of concrete working models on the ground, this project aims at demonstrating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the rural poor, while arresting natural resource degradation and maintaining bio-diversity.