Medicinal and aromatic plants based agroforestry in India: Evaluating ecological, economic and social impacts

Agroforestry systems integrating medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) present a sustainable solution for enhancing biodiversity, boosting rural livelihoods, and mitigating environmental challenges. This approach synergizes ecological restoration with economic development, making it an attractive model for sustainable agriculture. This study synthesizes the outcomes of 15 agroforestry projects implemented by National medicinal plants board (NMPB) across India. These projects focused on thematic areas such as genetic improvement, cultivation techniques, intercropping models, biodiversity conservation, farmer engagement, and economic analysis of a total of 50 MAP species. The integration of MAPs into agroforestry systems led to substantial improvements in land productivity, with combined yields surpassing those of traditional farming. Economic benefits included diversified income streams, reduced input costs, and access to high-value markets. Biodiversity conservation was achieved through the propagation of rare and endangered species like Pterocarpus santalinus and Terminalia arjuna. Additionally, farmer training and capacity-building programs facilitated widespread adoption and enhanced rural livelihoods. The outcomes of these projects demonstrate that agroforestry systems integrating MAPs are a viable pathway for addressing global ecological and economic challenges. By combining ecological restoration with socio-economic empowerment, these systems offer a scalable model for sustainable development, benefiting both the environment and rural communities.