Ujjwal Kumar

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Enhancing Farm Income: The Case of Bihar

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) provide opportunities for developing a variety of safe and cost effective, prophylactic, and curative medicines for a number of maladies. It is estimated that the primary health care of over 80 per cent of the world’s population still depends on plant based traditional medicines (WHO, 2002). Growing consciousness about health and side effects of modern medicines has again set the stage for innovation and use of herbal medicines. Evidence shows that the total domestic potential for crude drugs and oil extracts in India is worth Rs 3 billion, of which the requirements of over-the-counter products. Realizing the vast untapped potentials of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and impediments in their development. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Patna has followed a systematic approach while taking MAPs for pilot testing. It made assessment about the local conditions and requirements, and demand for MAPs; strengthened capacity by traing various stakeholders; played role in supporting individuals and institutions; developed relevant literature in local language; emphasized on group approach by organizing the growers; encouraged cultivation through the organized sector with linking the unorganized farmers; and evolved a pricing mechanism with buy back arrangement with partner industry under public-private partnership(PPP). The present study tries to outline some of the steps taken to promote MAPs in Bihar for better income to the farmers.

Constraints and Drudgery in Makhana Cultivation

Makhana is an aquatic crop with immense export potential and it is an important source of income for poor fishermen. Out of total makhana produced in India, more than 80% makhana is produced in Bihar alone. Although it is a high value crop but farmers associated with makhana are still very poor. The study is based on information obtained from 400 farmers of two major makhana growing districts, namely, Madhubani and Katihar of Bihar; to identify the constraints associated with makhana cultivation under different eco-systems. Since makhana cultivation is labour intensive, attempts were also made to know the drudgery involved in different operations of makhana cultivation. Based on focus group discussions with the different stakeholders, seven main constraints were identified for preferential ranking by the makhana growers. Lack of ownership of the pond/land was the major constraint followed by lack of scientific knowledge of cultivation and highly skilled operations involved in makhana cultivation in both the district. Harvesting was found to be the most difficult operation in makhana cultivation as reported by farmers of Katihar and Madhubani.