Medicinal and aromatic plants: Sustainable use, conservation and rural economy

In order to preserve the priceless natural resources of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the plains and hilly tract of West Bengal, India along with their sustainable use and commercial exploitation for the welfare of the rural people, the authors attempted to carry out: survey and conservation strategies of widely growing MAPs, their traditional use by the local people, probable causes of depletion, scientific growing of few potential MAPs and finally commercial exploitation of aromatic grasses for the upliftment of rural economy.

The studies identified the widely growing MAPs in the area, their traditional use by the local people and depletion by biotic and abiotic factors. Successful conservation of some potential MAPs including anti- diabetic plants have been done. Studies on growth, development and economics of cultivation of two potential aromatic grasses subjected to various experimental conditions clearly revealed the significant role of fertilizer, photoperiod and growth hormone for augmentation of growth and development associated with the increased yield and quality of essential oils and also the possibilities of commercial exploitation of the aromatic grasses as non- traditional cash crops for the welfare of rural people uplifting rural economy.