Quantification of trade in medicinal and aromatic plants: In and from Kashmir Valley of India

This study aims to enhance comprehension regarding the volume and value of trade in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) originating from the Kashmir valley. The study was conducted through a structured survey employing meticulously crafted questionnaires. The study gathered data on various aspects including the number of traders engaged in MAPs trade, types of plant parts traded, sources of collection, quantities imported and exported, rates per kilogram, and the revenue generated from these transactions. A total of 12 traders were found to be engaged in the trade of twenty medicinal and aromatic plant species, facilitating the trade of 79.33 tons of MAPs valued at 887.52 Lakhs. Notably, Atees (Aconitum heterophyllum), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), and Wanwagun (Podophyllum hexandrum) were among the most traded species, accounting for 9.9, 6.94, and 6.3 tons, respectively. The trade’s cumulative value peaked with guchii (Morchella esculenta) and Atees (Aconitum heterophyllum), generating revenues of 456.5 and 208.2 Lakhs, respectively.