Raising farmers income through the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants

The present study was conducted during October, 2022 to April, 2023 in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh which is predominated by the cultivation of apple. Medicinal and aromatic plants are playing an important role in Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Unani medicines. Local inhabitants have been using these plants for various ethno pharmaceutical uses. Stratified Random Sampling was used for conducting the survey. Both Primary and Secondary information (data) were collected through schedules, questionnaires, face to face talks, personal interviews and group discussions. Societies and Self Help Groups (SHGs) were created for the cultivation of Saussurea costus (Kuth) and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish). Local trader has purchased Kuth at the rate of 200 per Kilogram and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish) at the rate of 2000 per Kilogram. In Delhi market, the farmers have received higher rates ( 300 per Kilogram for Saussurea costus (Kuth) and 2100 per Kilogram for the Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish)). On an average, a farmer was reported to earn 50,000 to 100,000 per bigha per annum from the cultivation of these medicinal plants.