Socioeconomic Improvement through Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Cultivation in Uttarakhand, India

Traditional cereal crop production is uneconomic, and diversification in cropping system is necessary in mountain regions. A pilot project was introduced on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) cultivation with semi-processing and market strategy. Fast growing MAPs with high economic potential were given priority. A cooperative society was organized for quality control and proper marketing. Farmers got additional income with sale of MAPs that could improve socioeconomy. In the depressing scenario of the deteriorating farming condition, emerging experience of MAPs farming give hope for better living standard of mountain peoples. Cultivation of economically viable MAPs can improve socioeconomy of farmers.