The global market for medicinal plants is projected to grow to $375.6 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 7.22 percent. This expansion is being driven by a steady rise in consumer preference for natural products over synthetic alternatives. Across the world, herbal remedies, plant-based cosmetics and functional foods are gaining popularity, creating a surge in demand for medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants are increasingly being used in pharmaceuticals, beauty products and food supplements, opening opportunities for farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs. Jammu and Kashmir holds a unique position in this sector due to its rich biodiversity. The region is home to more than 800 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, many of which are native to its alpine and cold-arid landscapes. These plants have been part of traditional healthcare systems for generations, with local communities relying on them for treating various ailments. This traditional knowledge, passed down through centuries, is now being recorded and studied for scientific validation and commercial use. Among the plants cultivated and harvested in the region, species like Saussurea costus, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Aconitum heterophyllum stand out for their high market value. They are used in remedies for conditions such as fever, dysentery, joint pain, and digestive issues. Other species like Withania somnifera are in global demand for their stress-relieving properties, while aromatic plants such as lavender and rosemary are being promoted as exclusive crops suited to the temperate climate of Kashmir. However, some of these species are endangered, which makes conservation efforts essential to ensure their survival and continued availability. The Jammu and Kashmir government has been encouraging farmers to take up medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as a means of boosting the local economy and creating sustainable livelihoods. Plans are underway to bring thousands of kanals of land under cultivation and to establish germplasm banks for preserving plant diversity. Farmers in districts like Doda have already begun replacing conventional crops with high-value MAPs, while research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, are working on developing high-yield varieties of lemongrass, mint, and rose. Educational and training initiatives have also been introduced to expand the reach of this sector. For instance, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, in collaboration with MAR&ES and KVK Gurez, organized a one-day programme focused on cultivation and popularization of MAPs for livelihood security among tribal farmers on Tuesday. At such events, experts guide participants on techniques for cultivation, conservation, and value addition, including the production of herbal teas, essential oils, and nutraceuticals. High-quality planting material and agricultural toolkits are also distributed to encourage adoption. While such initiatives have shown encouraging results, experts stress that more sustained efforts are needed to fully tap J&K’s potential. This includes improving market linkages, creating storage and processing infrastructure, and expanding conservation programmes to protect endangered species. If properly implemented, Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as a major contributor to the medicinal and aromatic plants industry.
Green Medicine
