India is a hub of wild-collected plant medicine industry in Asia, but key species are declining because of the over-collection of plants to supply those to domestic and foreign medicinal markets. Immediate action is needed to ensure the sustainability of supplies.
Some species are in demand for their aromatic properties too, for example the use of Jatamansi oil dates back over a thousand years, whilst Red Sanders is also in demand for its timber and as a source of red dye. In India, collection and processing of medicinal plants contributes at least 35 million workdays per year to the poor and under-employed, but rising demand is threatening this vital source of livelihood income both in India and elsewhere.
Cultivation is routinely promoted as the answer to dwindling supplies of the extincting species, but this is also not as straightforward as some species are difficult to grow in artificial conditions and thus growing times for some species can be several years. According to Mr. Suniti Dutta (Wildlife Biologist, Nature & Outdoor Educator, Photographer), who spoke to Explore said that some actions are immediately required to improve management of harvests and trade in a way that addresses conservation and development concerns.
Also,international co-operation is needed between harvesters, traders, manufacturers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and researchers to secure a sustainable future for these medicinal plants and the people who depend on them.
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