Agroclimatic, Economic and Good Agricultural Practices Adoption Feasibility Studies on Selected Medicinal Plants of Punjab

Abstract

The study was designed to promote the medicinal plants cultivation in the state keeping in view the economic sustenance of farmer based on integrative knowledge of optimum zone and condition, financial feasibility analysis, suitable agro-practices, collection methodologies, quality evaluation and related documentation. The study successfully identified medicinal plants cultivators in the state, digitally mapped farmers and also embedded their demographic profile using GIS. Agro-ecological zoning successfully highlighted potential growing zones for medicinal plants across Punjab. It also highlighted various constraints faced by the farmers. Subsequently, comprehensive GAP guidelines were drafted, the study also identified critical materials and processes effecting quality of medicinal plants. FMEA approach was successfully applied for standardization of farmers produce in order to prevent late stage risks in plant production. The monographs of GAP of selected medicinal plants based on the farmers practices and literature support were drafted and the agroeconomics study suggested that C. longa, A. vera, and O. sanctum has more profitability per annum than the traditional crops.