Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Conservation, Development and Sustainable Use – Scope and Scenario in Maharashtra State

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Conservation, Development and Sustainable Use – Scope and Scenario in Maharashtra State

Jarnail Singh IFS

 APPCF & Chief General Manager, Medicinal Plants, FDCM Ltd, Nagpur

ABSTRACT

Sustainable forestry has been the integral constituent of forest management, ever since the scientist forestry began to take shape in India, in later part of 19th century. The conceptions of ‘sustained yield’ and ‘normal forest’ were the core concepts underlying silvicultural prescriptions intended for management of forests through the working plans – the sacrosanct bible of the scientific forestry. The focus, however, was on harvesting of timber, fuelwood, bamboos or a few other specific products to meet demand of industry and needs of local communities. Over the years, due to change in outlook of people towards forests and paradigm shift in appreciation of goals and priorities of the nation, as indicated in basic objectives of the Forest Policy (1988), the forests now are largely seen as integral and prime constituents of life support systems and hence are essential for the ecological security and the environment balance so essential for our survival.

Due to paradigm change in outlook towards natural forest systems and new initiatives and developments in the field of technological and management, sustainable forest management (SFM) with focus on multiple use value and aiming at addressing needs and concerns of forest dependent communities as well as ensuring the general well-being of people, has emerged a sound and viable option for management of forests. The intangible benefits that ooze out from forest systems in the form of eco-system services have assumed added significance. The capacity of natural forest systems to address climatic change scenario by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG), the main cause of earth warming and pollution in the atmosphere is now been better appreciated than before; and has added aura to the intrinsic value of forests.

Similarly, the focus has been shifted from timber production to sustainable use of the NTFPs, including, the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) for their role in sustaining healthcare traditions and also for providing a viable option for dignified livelihood of forest dependent community, including, the tribal.  Many a studies undertaken in the state in regard to survey and documentation of MAPs indicate richness and diversity of natural wealth in the state and role of local communities in their conservation and sustainable use and focus attention on need to conserve the natural and cultural heritage for posterity.  NTFPs have been seen as valuable commodities and important tools to achieve resource conservation and local development, as it accounts for substantial part of household income.

The prevalence of variety of climatic conditions puts Maharashtra in a prime position with respect to richness of flora, including, herbal and medicinal plants. Nature has endowed Maharashtra state with rich biodiversity, including, 5250 plant species (BSI), of which, 2242 species are of medicinal value and 694 are endemic to Maharashtra of which 35 species  falls in rare, endangered and threatened (RET) category; and hence need special focus and attention for their in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

The forest area of the state is 61,358 sq. km, approximating, about one fifth of Maharashtra's geographical area (19.94 %). The biodiversity rich 6 forest types of Maharashtra are, in fact, form storehouses of NTFPs and MAPs, due to prominence of mixed nature of forests. The main forest produce collected are mahua (Madhuca indica), amla (Embilica officinalis), chironji (Buchnania lanzan) bhilma (Aegle marmelos), shikakai  (Acacia sinuate), Ritha (Sapindus emarginatus) , karaya gum (Sterculia urens), tendu (Diosporos melanoxylon) leaves, honey, safed musali (Chlorophytum tuberosum) and various other medicinal plants. Sustainable collection and use of MAPs is an important agenda of Government of Maharashtra for providing additional livelihood options to tribal and forest dwellers.

The paper would highlight the initiative taken by Maharashtra in field of MAPs resource conservation and their sustainable management and use through SFD, FDCM and other stakeholder agencies. Recent initiative to set up institutional framework in shape of NTFP Federation to ensure their sustainable management and use for stakeholders and envisioned role of the FDCM Ltd in regard to conservation, development of MAP resources and their value addition.

In view of agro-climatic zonation and trading needs the Maharashtra State Horticulture & Medicinal Plants Board has identified 80 species of medicinal plants for conservation and plantation in Maharashtra State. Districts have been organized into 4 Clusters /Zones for purpose of conservation and promotion of MAP suiting to edaphic and climatic conditions of distinct zones in the state.

The blueprints of MAPs conservation and development and road map for the way ahead for development of value addition, quality control and marketing facility, fitting into cluster approach, would be highlighted for balanced and definitive growth of MAPs sector that need holistic growth to effectively cater to the domestic market and export scenario. It would also highlight the bottlenecks that need to be addressed for sustainable management and use of MAPs.

Maharashtra has advantage of being a bio resource rich state, in shape of, Western Ghats, Satpuda Hill Ranges and large chunk of forest tracts in Vidarbha.  It has Mumbai, as the commercial capital of nation and concentration herbal, AYUSH and other pharmaceutical companies in the nearby stations, such as, Nasik, Thane and Pune. It has potential and vision to emerge as a leading player in MAPs resource conservation, value addition, quality certification and developing herbal brands for domestic use and export; and the FDCM Ltd can play a significant role to achieve this vision.

Key words: Sustainable Management, NTFPs, MAPs, sustainable use, Resource conservation, multiple use value, AYUSH value, etc.

INTRODUCTION

The story of use of plants in healthcare and medicine systems, in India, is as old as its cultural history. Indian System of Medicines (ISM), including, Siddha and Ayurveda has their long rooting in the Pre-Vedic times. They have been core to the traditional medicinal and healthcare systems and well ingrained in the psyche and cultural milieu of the country. As a consequence, we see our well-being as a part of the nature – the cosmic family – rather than the beings, apart from nature. The Vedic conceptions of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘live and let live’ are central to our way of life, as compassionate beings, an important constituent of the nature.

The prevalence of variety of climatic conditions puts India in a prime position with respect to richness of flora, including, herbal and medicinal plants. India is one of the 10 major forested countries in the world. It is known for its diverse natural ecosystems and rich biodiversity, comprising of over 17000 – 18000 flowering species, of which, 6000 - 7000 species of medicinal values, as per Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). Nature has also endowed Maharashtra state with rich biodiversity, including, 5250 plant species (BSI) of which 2242 species are of medicinal value and 694 are endemic to Maharashtra of which 35 species  falls in rare, endangered and threatened (RET) category; and hence need special focus and attention for their in-situ and ex-situ conservation (FRLHT, 2007).

National Forest policy, 1988 prescribes that ‘the life of tribal and other poor living within and near forests revolves around forests. Their domestic requirements of fuelwood, fodder, minor forest produce and construction timber should be the first charge on forest produce. Medicinal Plants constitute a substantial component of the MFPs and are, hence, have a significance bearing on livelihood and well-being communities living in and around forests (GOI, 1988). Hence, there is need to have a comprehensive review of policy to provide space for MAPs conservation and their sustainable use as well as to address such other areas of significance to have sustained focus on specific areas emerged over the years, since its formulation (Singh, 1999).   

FORESTS RESOURCE SCENARIO IN MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra is second most populous state after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India. It extends to an area of 307,713 km2, forming 9.36 percent of the total geographical area of India. Physiographically, it comprises of three distinct regions, namely, Deccan Plateau, Western Ghats and Coastal Plains. There are 43,665 villages spread over in 35 Districts of Maharashtra state, out of which, only 40,960 villages are in-habited. Total population of state is 112.37 million forming 9.29 percent of country population. It is an urban state having 54.77 % of its population living in cities and towns, whereas, rural population forms 45.23% (Census 2011).

Maharashtra is endowed with rich and diverse forest resources. Its forests are known for their vast resource abundance, richness and varied biodiversity. The forest area of the state is 61,358 sq. km, approximating, about one fifth of Maharashtra's geographical area (19.94 %).  As per Champion and Seth Classification, 6 forest types groups, namely, the Tropical Semi-evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Littoral and Swamps, Tropical Dry Deciduous, Tropical Thorns, Sub-tropical Broad-leaved Hill Forests, fall in state boundaries. Due to predominance of mixed type, forests serve as the storehouse of biodiversity and varied NTFPs, including, innumerable MAPs of value to healthcare traditions and livelihood of local communities.

MULTIPLE USE VALUE OF FORESTS

Due to the paradigm change in outlook of people towards natural forest systems in the recent decades and new developments in the field of technological and management, sustainable forest management (SFM) with focus on multiple use value and aiming at addressing needs and concerns of forest dependent communities and ensuring general well-being of people, at large has emerged a sound and viable option for management of forests. The intangible benefits that ooze out from forest systems in the form of eco-system services have assumed added significance, in this context. The capacity of natural forest systems to address climatic change scenario by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) - the main cause of earth warming and pollution in the atmosphere -is now has been better appreciated than before; and has added aura to the intrinsic value of forests.

Similarly, the focus has been shifted from timber production to sustainable use of the forest products including varied NTFPs, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) for their role in sustaining healthcare tradition and also providing viable option for dignified livelihood of forest dependent community, including, the tribal. Collection and sale of NTFPs form an important livelihood option for forest dwelling communities. The main forest produce collected are mahua (Madhuca indica), amla (Embilica officinalis), chironji (Buchnania lanzan), bhilma (Aegle marmelos), shikakai  (Acacia sinuate), Ritha (Sapindus emarginatus) , karaya gum (Sterculia urens), tendu (Diosporos melanoxylon) leaves, honey, safed musali (Chlorophytum tuberosum) and along with various medicinal plants. NTFPs, at the local community level, accounts for 35% (Cavendish, 1997) to as much as 60% (Hegde et al., 1996) of household incomes.

Sustainable management, collection and trade of NTFPs, is an important agenda of Government of Maharashtra for providing additional livelihood options to tribal and forest dwellers. The objectives of policies relating to management of NTFPs and medicinal plants are;

o        Conservation, development and sustainable use of resources

o        Welfare of the tribal and other forest dwellers

o        Ensure sustained supply of medicinal plants for herbal industry and Indian systems of Medicines to cater to needs of wellbeing and health care of people.

PEOPLE PARTICIPATION IN MANAGEMENT

Maharashtra Forest Department has adopted participatory approach of forest management in collaboration with local communities. Substantial chunk forest areas are under management of JFMCs. There are 12,500 registered JFMCs in Maharashtra that are involved in protection, conservation and management of forests. The main objective of the JFMCs is to ensure sustainable protection and conservation of forests. It can be achieved by improving economic condition of JFMCs by providing better livelihood options and fine tuning traditional livelihood practices like NTFPs collection, etc. for enhancing their income. In Maharashtra, species of NTFPs and MAPs that are collected and used in herbal industry and trade includes Harra, Baheda, Aonla, Ashwagandha, Bel, Bhui aonla, Brahmi, Giloe, Gudmar,  Kalihari, Kalmegh, Makoy, Pippali, Safed Musali, Sarpgandha, Shatavari, Tulsi, Viavidang, Arjun Chal, Adusa, Nirgundi, Bach, Anantmool, Gokhru, Bhringraj, Malkangni, Amaltas, Manjistha, Arandi, Jamun, Bidari kand, Babool Chal, Sonpatha, Khas grass, Gunja, Kewanch, Mahua, Chironji, Bel, Shikakai, Ritha, Karaya gum, Tendu leaves, Honey, etc.

TRADITIONAL USAGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Medicinal plants have, traditionally, been used by the local communities for treatment of various diseases associated to their health and well-being and have been integral part of their psyche and belief resulting in management practices conducive to their protection and conservation. The sacred groves of Dapoli tehsil, in Ratnagiri district are the best examples of conservation of rare ethno-medicinal plants. These sacred groves consist of over 48 rare ethno-medicinal plants. 11 plant species are reported as threatened and 12 species are endemic to Maharashtra (Ghalme and Deokule, 2014).

An extensive ethno-botanical survey was conducted during 2000-2006 in Jalgaon district in Maharashtra, based on information obtained from tribal and rural people. 262 species with medicinal properties, including, seven rare medicinal plants, namely, Eulophia nuda, Remusatia vivipara, Sterculia villosa, Costus speciosus, Ensete superba, Curcuma psudomontana and Gloriosa superba were collected during the survey (Mali and Bhadane, 2008). Another study in Washim district of Maharashtra state has listed 39 plants that have wound healing properties and are used traditionally by the local communities (Wadankar et al., 2011). Similarly, the ethno-botanical studies done during 2009 to 2012 in, Akole taluka of the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state, where forests are rich in medicinal plants and exhibit remarkable plant diversity reveal that tribal residing the forests use plants for treating different ailments. In total total 66 plant species are used by the tribal for medicinal purposes (Gayake et al., 2013).

There is abundant prevalence of medicinal plants biodiversity in various part of the state and associated indigenous knowledge of their usage with the local community. Thus, systematic documentation and sustainable management of MAPs is of prime importance to sustain their conservation for posterity.

MAP RESOURCE SCENARIO OF IN INDIA

Medicinal plants have been increasingly recognized for their role as not only for health care but also for improving the economic status of local communities. This trend towards commercialization has resulted in overharvesting of some economically important medicinal plant species, many of which has become rare, endangered and threatened (Kala, 2009). The current MAPs resource scenario has direct bearing on traditional healthcare system and is function of, the following, thematic concerns.

o   Resurgence in use of herbal medicines and products, globally, has caused pressure on existing resources and also has opened up wider horizon and scope for trade and export

o   Need to organize and develop MAPs to cater to needs of sector, holistically

o   Ensure sustained supply of quality raw material of MAPs for AYUSH and herbal industry

o   Need to identify critical AYUSH species for conservation and cultivation for;

 

o   Checking unsustainable collection from wild

o   Maintaining quality and standard  of raw material

Besides, opening up avenues of potential opportunity for development of MAP sector, global resurgence of herbal products has also increased pressure on the forest systems and wild source base. This challenging scenario, demands focused efforts on non-destructive modes of collection and harvesting of MAPs in the state (NMPB, 2008). In view to have holistic development of MAP sector, NMPB, GOI has launched schemes to assist and motivate stakeholders to enlist their participation and to provide them options of gainful livelihood. The target beneficiaries of these schemes include farmers, growers, JFMCs, primary collectors, local vaidyas, herbal industry, education and research institutions, PSUs, NGOs, etc (GOI, 2010).

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT AND USE OF MAPS

The medicinal plants resource scenario in India indicates that 95% of the AYUSH products are plant based.  Moreover, over 90 % of species in herbal trade are sourced either from forests or from wild and 2/3rd of them are collected or harvested by destructive or unsustainable means causing irreparable loss and damage to the source base (NMPB, 2008). Government of India through National Medicinal Plant Board has launched the following schemes for comprehensive development of MAP sector.

1.      Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants (since 2000) implemented by GOI through NMPB, New Delhi. The objectives, as given under, have been listed to focus efforts on desired theme areas.

o   Promote R&D for domestication of wild medicinal plants, development of agro-techniques and post-harvest management storage and processing.

o   Promote quality assurance and standardization through development of Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Collection Practices (GCP), and Good Storage Practices (GSP) and through development of monographs on medicinal plants.

o   Develop, implement and support certification mechanism for quality standards, Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Collection Practices (GCP)& Good Storage Practices (GSP).

o   Promote sustainable harvesting protocols of medicinal plants from forest areas and certification thereof.

o   Survey, inventorization and documentation of endangered medicinal plants through periodic surveys and inventorization.

o   Creating Gene banks/Seed orchards to create an authentic source of seed and germplasm for future.

2.      Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission of Medicinal Plants (since 2008), implemented through SMPBs: To promote cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants of RET and AYUSH value and to support value addition, processing, processing and quality assurance, GOI launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP), in  2008, having the following objectives and theme components(NMPB, 2008).

o   Promote cultivation of RET and AYUSH value species and provide insurance and quality testing facility for growers, gatherers and farmers.

o   Promote raising quality planting stock (QPS) through model and small nurseries.

o   Post-harvest management and marketing

o   Provide processing, value addition, storage and marketing facilities in clusters to develop and promote the MAP, holistically, in the state.

o   Establish Reference Raw Drug Lab facility to ensure accurate identification, quality assurance and to help provide research support.

o   Promote quality assurance to establish credibility of AYUSH products in market by quality testing, certification and insurance.

o   Management support for implementation of project proposals.

There is an urgent need to focus on creating awareness in the field of agro-technology for cultivation of MAP species, pharmacognosy, phyto-chemistry, tissue culture and GACPs amongst new age farmers, producers and manufacturers to discuss and derive a workable and sustainable solution on in-situ conservation, ex-situ cultivation, value addition, quality control, standardization and marketing of medicinal drugs for holistic development of MAP sector.

DEMAND SUPPLY SCENARIO OF MAPS

The domestic trade of AYUSH products is Rs. 80-90 billion including export component is Rs. 10 billion, in India. The export of herbal products is insignificant and forms less than one percent of global trade, which is estimated about 120 billion US $ and expected to increase to 7 trillion US $ by 2050. Moreover, 60-70 % of AYUSH products are being exported in raw drugs form. It thus unfolds a wide scope for value addition, quality production, quality testing, certification and branding of herbal products to enhance export share, in the global market (GOI, 2010). There are, as many as, 960 species of medicinal plants in trade, of which, 178 are traded in high volumes i.e. 100 MT or more/annum.  Analysis of these species reveals that 70 species are obtained from tropical forests, of which 48 species are sourced from forests of Maharashtra state, 36 largely from cultivations/plantations, 46 from roadsides and other degraded land uses and the remaining 5 species are imported from other countries. The annual trade value for botanical raw drugs, during the year 2005- 06, was Rs 1068.50 crores and the annual domestic turnover of herbal industry was about Rs. 8,800 crores (Ved and Goraya, 2007).

No reliable figures of demand and supply is available for Maharashtra state which is an area of concern that need immediate attention and focus for balanced growth and development of MAP sector in the state.

CONSERVATION CONCERNS OF MAPS SPECIES IN TRADE

The botanical raw drug material are primarily sourced from (a) wild harvests including forests as well as other land use categories like roadsides, wastelands, farm bunds, etc, (b) cultivation, and (c) imports to meet needs healthcare practices and system of medicines. In view of condition and status of medicinal plants source base, it requires differential focus and priority to develop MAP sector in holistic and sustainable manner (FRLHT, 2007).

In view to holistic development and sustainable use of medicinal plants, the following, priority focus is desirable and hence recommended, as action points. There is a potent cause to give added focus and attention to these issues during deliberations, so as to, determine priority and devise action plans to address these issues in systematic and sustainable manner.

o   High priority should be accorded to in-situ conservation and resource augmentation of medicinal plants in high volume trade, being obtained wholly or largely from the forests.

o   Immediate assessment of wild populations of medicinal plant species, in high consumption, which are incidentally also of high conservation concern; and appropriate management interventions for building up populations of such species.

o   Develop a system of backward linkage of the raw material consumed by the herbal manufacturing units to their source of production.

STATE INITIATIVE IN MAP CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

1.      SETTING UP OF MAPs GENE BANKS - MPCAs

In total 13 forest areas located in different agro-climatic zones in the State, having rich bio-diversity and serving as repositories of a number of threatened medicinal plants species have been identified and established in the Maharashtra, admeasuring 3,334.37 ha. Identification of areas, botanization and survey, establishment of demonstration gardens for public awareness, constitution of local management committees and self-help groups, collection of raw drugs, training, etc have been carried out. These areas have been maintained as Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) for the in-situ conservation of identified plants and are managed jointly by the State Forest Department and local communes. In 2001, the FRLHT also prepared a list of 35 medicinal plant species of conservation concern identified for Maharashtra. In addition, 10 sites for in-situ conservation of medicinal plants including 5 sites in Western Ghats and 5 sites in Vidarbha have been identified to the extent of 2000 ha area, that would eventually serve as MPCAs in the FDCM Ltd areas for gene pool conservation and awareness generation for local stakeholder communities.

2.       MEDICINAL PLANTS CONSERVATION BRANCH, IN FDCM Ltd

Govt. of Maharashtra has set up a committee to study the possibilities of setting up an independent organization for cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of medicinal plants, in 2007. After due consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the Govt. of Maharashtra approved setting up of an independent branch for conservation and development of medicinal plants, in 2010, under the FDCM Ltd for, the following, objectives (GOM, 2010). The outline of the works proposed for development of MAPs in Maharashtra by the Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development Branch, includes, the following.

o   In-situ conservation of MAPs and rare plants in the selected conservation areas.

o   Education & training programmes for the collectors of these plants from forest areas especially for species whose roots and bark is used.

o   Setting up of botanical garden, medicinal plants gardens, nakshtra van and Dashmul plantation; setting up of homestead medicinal plants gardens in the urban areas for the domestic use of medicinal and aromatic plants.

o   Promote cultivation of medicinal, aromatic, edible & natural colour yielding plants. 

o   Collection of these plants from forests through JFM committees.

o   Setting up nurseries for raising pollution control plants and their sale to the local public.

o   Sale and export of forest produce, after value addition, and obtain necessary permission from National Bio-diversity Authority, before exporting the medicinal plants.

o   Setting up of processing plants and laboratories for processing of medicinal plants; setting up of training canters, retail outlets, factory and a state of the art laboratory.

In view of, the nature and status of resource base, the works mandated are cost intensive and would be of long gestation period to yield returns, hence, quick returns are not been envisaged and they would be potentially profitable in a period of 8 to 10 years.

3.      MAPs CONSERVATION WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY FDCM LTD

In view of the mandate, as given above, planned strategy for development of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) has been initiated, as follows.

o   In–situ conservation of MAPs has been undertaken over 3000 ha that would eventually serve as the MPCAs and seed banks of MAPs.

o   Herbal Gardens, Nurseries and medicinal plantations assisted by the NMPB, MSHMPB, 13^th Finance Commission and Corporation’s own funds have been undertaken.

o   Herbal Gardens, on 13 Ha areas, have been undertaken under CSS of NMPB New Delhi.

o   FDCM Ltd. has raised Rs. 4.00 lakhs seedlings of medicinal plants under the UNDP project and has been distributed to Forest Department, Social Forestry Department etc.

o   Plantation of RET and AYUSH value species on 350 ha and In-situ conservation on 2000 ha, has been undertaken under schemes approved by NMPB in Nasik and Nagpur Nasik region.

o   In addition, MSHMPB, Pune has approved 4 herbal nurseries, 3 drying sheds, 3 storage godowns and 1 Buyer Seller Meet, during the year 2013-14.

o   185 ha MAPs plantation has been undertaken under 13^th Finance Commission for the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 along with strengthening of nurseries, survey of raw material, herbal garden, training, workshop etc.

o   55 ha plantation have been raised in Bhandara and Kinwat, in 2011-12; and 25 ha of plantation including Chandan and Rakat chandan species have been raised in Gondia divisions in 2013-14 from the corporation’s own resources.

Till date the focus has been on MAP resource building, capacity building and motivation activities.  There is need to initiate next phase of MAPs development including collection, value addition, quality control and marketing balanced and holistic growth of sector.

BLUEPRINTS FOR MAPs DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABLE USE: THE WAY AHEAD

1.0  LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCES

1.1       In order to devise a holistic approach and strategy for development of MAPs, it proposed to learn from experiences of others, in this field, especially, the MP and Chhattisgarh state. Study visit to MFP Federation of both the states was undertaken to have insight of Federation functions as well as overall development scenario of MFPs, in both the states. MFP Federation is functioning well in the state and seems appropriate institution to professionally handle NTFPs management on behalf of government and other stakeholders, in the field. NTFP Federation, on the co-operative lines, having 3 tier institutional structure and units at local, district and state level for sustainable management and use of NTFPs seem an appropriate institutional set up. Similarly, value addition and marketing approach followed by MP and Chhattisgarh have elements that may be taken as takeaways for purpose of development processing and value addition facilities and quality assurance framework in Maharashtra.

1.2       Furthermore, in order to set priority for MAPs balanced development and sustainable use, a Buyer Seller Meet was organized on the topical theme: Conservation, Sustainable Use, Value Addition and Marketing of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants [MAP], at Nagpur on March 4, 2014, in collaboration with Indian Society of Pharmacognosy Department of Pharmacology, Nagpur University and other stakeholders in Maharashtra. The objective was to seek consultation of stakeholders for setting priorities for balanced and holistic growth of MAP sector in Maharashtra state and also to seek suggestions for way ahead to achieve the objective in a systemic manner for chalking out a definitive role of the FDCM Ltd, in the development scenario.

540 participants including farmers, local vaidyas, Ayurvedic industries, educational institutes like Hislop School of Biotechnology, Govt. of Ayurvedic College, University like RTM Nagpur University, local manufacturers of herbal products, traders and staff of the FDCM Ltd and SFD participated in the meet. The findings of the Meet include the following as the priority areas for holistic development of MAP in Maharashtra state.

o   In-situ & Ex-situ conservation of Rare, Endangered & Threatened (RET) & Endemic species should be given priority in forest management.

o   Sustainable Management and use of MAPs shall be ensured by scientific management & technological inputs.

o   Value   addition   facility   at   local level   (village), regional   level and  zonal  level   should be developed to add value to resources.

o   Cluster approach of infrastructure and MAPs resource development shall be followed for developing processing, value addition & Marketing facilities.

o   Quality control protocol & mechanism should be developed at regional and zonal level and put in place for use to all stakeholders.

o   FDCM Ltd. is best suited for development of 'Value Addition, Quality Control Mechanism & Facility, Certification, Capacity Building & Resource Building, etc.

o   Tissue Culture Techniques should be developed for species under RET categories with help of Educational and Research Institutions and Universities.

o   Simple testing techniques for checking phyto-constituents of MAPs shall be developed for use of farmers and other stakeholders.

o   Common species of MAPs in household use should be popularized to enhance awareness about their conservation and use.

o   Promotion of Micro & Macro enterprise in value addition & quality control, at regional and zonal level should be undertaken

o   Awareness & capacity building of staff and stakeholders should be undertaken through the educational and training Institutes in the state.

o   Marketing promotion of MAPs products should be done by developing appropriate state specific brand, promoting herbal clinics / kiosks / herbal SPAs.

o   Documentation, consolidation of indigenous knowledge (IK) & skill of local healers and vaidyas in use of MAPs.

o   Contra Farming should be promoted by government by providing buy-back norms & facility at par with agricultural commercial crops.

o   Proper implementation and utilization of funds and projects for MAPs should be managed in a systematic manner was discussed in personal experience session.

1.3  ADVANTAGE MAHARASHTA

Maharashtra has advantage of being a bio resource rich state, in shape of, Western Ghats, Satpuda Hill Ranges and large chunk of forest tracts in Vidarbha.  It has Mumbai, as the commercial capital of nation and concentration herbal, AYUSH and other pharmaceutical companies in the nearby stations, such as, Nasik, Thane and Pune. It has potential and vision to emerge as a leading player in MAPs resource conservation, value addition, quality certification and developing herbal brands for domestic use and export; and the FDCM Ltd can play a significant role to achieve this vision. It was proposed to capitalize on advantage Maharashtra to build up MAP sector with e salient advantages in focus.

On the basis of inputs received from Buyer Seller Meet and consultation with stakeholders following priority focal areas has been identified for balanced and phased development of MAPs.

2.0  IDENTIFY ISSUES OF MAPs CONSERVATION CONCERN

The issues of conservation concern have been listed, as follows, in view to focus efforts and attention to dwell on them and seek their resolution to cater to needs of sector.

o   Species selection for In-situ/Ex-situ conservation RET&EN and AYUSH value

o   Non-destructive modes of collection from forests/wild

o   Institutional strengthening and capacity building

o   Develop GAPs, GCPs, GSPs, Protocols, Mechanism and operating procedures

o   Hassle free transit facility for MAPs trade and sale.

  3.0     ISSUES OF VALUE ADDITION & MARKETING CONCERNS

Issues and priority identified for way ahead and to develop framework for holistic development of cluster based value addition, quality control and marketing facility include, the following.

o   Organize MAPs collection through JFMCs/collectors/growers institutions, at village level

o   Setting up of storage Godowns and drying sheds facility at or nearby collection centres, preferably, at appropriate sites in range units.

o   Develop marketing infrastructure &buy back facility

o   Quality control and  certification

o   Processing and value addition facility at focal & nodal centres

o   Institutional strengthening and capacity building

4.0  OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR MAP WORKING IN FOREST AREAS

 In view to focus attention on conservation of RET and endemic species of MAPs and to enhance availability of AYUSH value species and to ensure non-destructive sustainable collection following focus areas have been identified. 

4.1   Embedding provisions for MAP conservation in Management Instruments

o   Identify and conserve MPCAs - Gene Banks of medicinal plants - for promotion of education, research and  experimentation on MAPs

o   Inclusion and integration of MAPs in Plans, including Working/Management  plans

o   Provisions for MAPs conservation and sustainable use, under NTFPs Overlapping WC.

o   List the rare, endangered, threatened and endemic (RET & EN) category of MAPs species for conservation and append it with Working/Management Plans

o   List MAPs species of AYUSH value for cultivation and append it with Plans.

o   Resource assessment survey to help assess status and potential of MAPs and build up inventory and database of MAP resources (Working Plan Code, 2014).

o   Market assessment survey for figuring out Demand Supply scenario in each cluster/zone of the state, regarding MAPs.

4.2       Operational Guidelines [OGLs] For Maps In Forestry Working

o   Operational Guidelines for survey, demarcation, enumeration, etc of MAPs resources

o   List species not to be marked for felling

o   List species to be retained while carrying out crop tending operations including weeding, cleaning, thinning, etc.

o   List MAPs species retained as future crop in Over Wood Removal (OWR) forest areas

o   Identify and list MAPs species to be included in plantation program.

o   Develop standard operating protocols/procedures (SOPs) for non-destructive sustainable collection/harvesting of MAPs.

o   Regulate collection or harvesting of MAPs to the sustainable limit.

o   Promote cultivation of AYUSH species with buy back support price.

o   Promote value addition & quality assurance of MAP raw material and herbal produce.

5.0        THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MAPS

The conceptual framework for development of MAP sector needs focus on activities in sequential and phased manner, in a given time frame, for developing the sector, holistically. The Roadmap to goal need be defined clearly with definite milestones to be achieved in a given time frame.

Diagram 1

To undertake, a venture of complexity, such as the MAPs conservation and development, and to accomplish it with success, the following, steps in sequence are essential prerequisites.

o   Clear vision of intended scenario helps setting the goal of the venture, clearly.

o   Realistic planned framework - Road Map- should be clear, definite and do-able.

o   Move on the proposed road with mission mode

The framework of institutional and resource development of MAP in Maharashtra has been proposed in phased manner with focus on resource building and capacity development in 1st phase of 5 years; and value addition, quality control, certification and brand development in second phase of 5 years period, as given below.  

5.1       Phase 1:  Up to 5 years: Build MAPs Resource Base & Capacity

Works and actions proposed to be undertaken on priority are, as follows;

o   In-situ conservation of RET & Endemic Species

o   Augmentation by ex-situ conservation/plantations/Nurseries

o   Capacity building , training  and awareness/Herbal parks

o   Institution buildings at local, district and zonal level on co-operative lines

o   Primary value addition facilities at focal/ zonal centres

o   Training and Demonstration Centres

o   Develop protocols for quality and standards.

o   Marketing Facility at focal and district levels

5.2     Phase 2 : 6 – 10 Years: Value Additions and Brands, etc

Actions and works proposed are given, as under;

o   Secondary Value Addition  at zonal places such as  nodal centre including Ballarshah/    Paratwada/Dahanu/Nasik

• Raw Drug Laboratories and protocols
• GAPs/GCPs/GSPs protocols
• Brands development for quality products viz. Satpuda/Sahyadri/Vid-herbals, etc.
• Certification and quality testing protocols
• Corporation as a beneficiary in Processing, trade and export.

      

Roadmap of MAP development is given in Diagram.

5.3 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

It is evident that development of MAPs needs Govt. resources in shape of land, expertise, policies, enabling legislation and financial allocations. Moreover, bulk of activities and schemes are not commercially or economically tenable in view of the complexity of existing state of management of NTFP, including, medicinal plants, in the State. Thus, setting up of institutional framework at the village and district level institutions by the competent authorities is pre-requisite to initiate endeavour such as collection, sale, value addition, processing and research, involving, the medicinal plants.

Figure I

In view of the prevailing ground realities bulk of the resources required for the branch for processing, value addition and marketing are envisaged to come from the Govt. areas with full coordination from State Forest Department. The 73rd Amendment of the Constitution, in 1992, provides for minor forest produce to be included in the 11^th Schedule, viz., the Village List. Subsequently, through provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, ownership of MFPs in the Scheduled areas have been transferred to village Panchayats. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 confers ownership of minor forest produce on the village community. Accordingly, all MFPs, including medicinal Plants, existing in a village forests, is property of the village community. Medicinal plants form an integral part of local biodiversity, responsibility of conservation and management of which lies with the local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) under the aegis of State Biodiversity Board. These institutions have an important bearing on the management and use of medicinal plants.

In view of present resource responsibility for conservation and development of forests and their protection and development through JFM committees lies with the State Forest Department. Moreover, all processes concerning conservation and development of medicinal plants including in-situ conservation, cultivation, collection, storage, processing and value addition envisage involvement of forest department and people through JFMCs, SHGs, Primary Cooperatives.  It, thus, needs unification of approach and institutional arrangement and mechanism for sustainable management and use of medicinal plants by involving the Forest Department, FDCM Ltd and other stakeholders, in the field of MAPs.

The report of the Committee of Officers on issues relating to MFP in PESA States (2007) constituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has recommended adoption of the three tier society based federal system of MP and Chhattisgarh, which is a decentralized and comes close to the soul and spirit of PESA, in the States. A substantial portion of the rural landscape comes under the influence of rights conferred on populations inhabiting the forested / tribal villages. Their participation in any venture involving medicinal plants is pivotal as well as potential game changer.

In view to above and to deal, holisticaly, with NTFPs resources in Maharashtra State the NTFP (T & D) Federation on co-operative lines, having units at local, district and state level is the need of hour to sustainably manage resources on behalf of all stakeholders, including, PRIs and tribal communities (Figure 1).

5.4    SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES OF MAPs IN MAHARASHTRA

The operational guidelines issued by NMPB in relation to National Mission On Medicinal Plants incorporates end-to-end approach covering production, post harvest management, processing and marketing. It proposes promoting cultivation of medicinal plants in identified clusters/zones within selected districts of the state having potential for medicinal plants cultivation and promote such cultivation by following GSCPs through synergic linkages with production and supply of quality planting material, processing, quality testing, certification, warehousing and marketing for meeting the demands of AYUSH industry and for export of value added items. It also prescribes for promotion and support ofcollective efforts for cultivation and processing in clusters through SHGs, growers co-operatives/associations, producer companies and organizations (NMPB, 2008).

5.4.1     In view of agro-climatic zonation and trading needs in the state, Maharashtra State Horticulture & Medicinal Plants Board has identified 80 species of medicinal plants for conservation and plantation in Maharashtra State. Districts have been organized into 4 Clusters /Zones for purpose of conservation and promotion of MAP suiting to edaphic and climatic conditions of distinct zones in the state.

o   Cluster 1:  Konkan Region covering 4 Districts - Thane, Raigarh, Ratnagiri and Sindudurg.

o   A list of 75 species has been identified for conservation and promotion for plantation

o   Cluster 2: Western Region covering 10 districts of Nasik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Sholapur, Satara, Sagali, Kohlapur, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon.

o   A list of 73 species has been identified for conservation and promotion

o   Cluster 3: Marathwada Region covering 8 districts of Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Hingoli.

o   List of 43 species has been identified for conservation and promotion

o   Cluster 4: Vidhabha Region covering 11 districts of Akola, Washim, Amravati, Yeotmal, Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gondia, Buldhana, Gadchiroli.

o   List of 53 species of have been identified for conservation and promotion

5.4.2      The sectoral development priorities and issues for MAPs may be summed up, as follows.

o   Holistic approach to organize and develop MAPs sector with due focus on collection, storage, value addition, processing, quality assurance and marketing.

o   Prime focus on resource building through In-situ & ex-situ conservation, sustainable collection and cultivation promotion and policy support.

o   Explore feasibility and potential to venture into value addition, quality testing, certification and branding the products for marketing and sale.

o   Secondary processing facility for value additon and products development to be established in each zone preferably at Nagpur, Ballarshah, Amravati, Nasik and Pune. Forestry Integrated Units facility in Forest Department, at Ballarshah (Chandrapur district), Paratwada (Amravati district) and Dahanu (Thane district) seems aptly appropriate for developing secondary processing, brand development, quality testing and marketing facility.

o   Linkage of primary processing facility for semi processed products and herbal raw drugs would be developed in each potential MAP district, preferably, at suitable central Forest Depots.

o   Linkage of collection, storage and drying, sorting, packaging, etc, at focal village level in vicinity to the collectors/gathers/growers/JFMCs.

o   Forest Depots in MAP potential districts to be strengthened and developed as the ‘Marketing  Centres’ for storage, drying, preliminary value addition and sale of MAPs.

o   Establishment of an exclusive body such as NTFP FEDERATION to determine policy and decision making as well as to oversee and carry out plans.

o   Referal raw drugs lab and research centre facility is proposed at Nagpur and Nasik/Pune to provide support to processing units and the stakeholder indivials and institutions.

o   Promotional activities such as setting up of Herbal Parks, Nurseries, Herbal kiosks  and worshops, seller buyer meets and skill upgradation of stakehoders would be undertaken on priority.

The details of secondary and primary processing facilities, locations, marketing networking, etc have been illustrated in Figure II, Diagram 2 and Diagram 3.

Schematic Diagram 2: Showing Stages of Value Addition & Marketing

5.5   REMOVAL OF BOTTLENECKS IN THE PROCESS

The potential bottlenecks that appear to cause hindrance in systemic growth of MAP in focused manner need timely addressal to smoothen the process of growth. The potential bottlenecks include the following;

o   In order to have sustained and concentred focus to develop the MAP sector, there is need to have exclusive institutional set up with administrative and legal backing. Absence of such institution in state needs immediate attention to fill the gap with suitable institutional set up such as NTFP Federation on co-operative lines to undertake management of NTFPs including MAPs.

o   As per GOI guidelines, in regard to FCA (1980) cultivation of fruit-bearing trees or oil-bearing plants or medicinal plants would require prior approval of the Central Government except when: (a) the species to be planted are indigenous to the area in question; and (b) such planting activity is part of an overall afforestation programme for the forest area in question. It thus envisages the medicinal plantation to be part of overall afforestation programme and imbedded into instruments of management such as Working Plans/Management Plans. There is need to relax this provision for promotion of cultivation of medicinal plantation on forest areas, to make MAP plantation, a financially viable proposition.

o   Integration of MAPs conservation and management with management instruments would facilitate conservation and augmentation of RET & AYUSH value species in forest areas.

o   Forest Policy 1988, includes provisions for sustainable use of MFPs, whereas, there is no mention of MAPs in the policy document. It appears that MAPs have been clubbed with MFPs and hence been denied their due space and significance. There is need to have special provision for MAPs management in the policy documents in view of the fact the role they play in general wellbeing and maintenance of health care traditions.

o   Working Plan Code also need suitable amends to include specific provisions for MAPs conservation and their sustainable use.

o   Relaxing transit pass facilities for MAPs cultivated by farmers and brought from outside forest areas.

o   Minimum  support price for promotion of cultivation of AYUSH value species for farmers and institutions.

The core issue, which requires urgent focus, is to provide legal base for the management of village forests by village community, in the State. Further, local self-governments shall have to be motivated to form village cooperatives for collection and sale of MFPs, including medicinal plants. The FDCM Ltd mandate is to federate them for the consolidation of MFP & medicinal plant trade. These institutions have to be involved in in situ and ex situ conservation of medicinal plants for management and development of medicinal plants.

CONCLUSION

Medicinal and aromatic plants conservation and its management and use, is focal area of core concern due to resurgence of herbal medicines and healthcare products, world over. It has caused a tremendous pressure on already dwindling MAP resources in the wild. It has also opened up a wide scenario of international trade and export of herbal medicines and products for the benefits of gatherers, farmers and other stakeholders in the field of MAP conservation, sustainable use, value addition and marketing.

The paper deciphers the resource scenario of MAPs and pressure on it due to spurt in demand of herbal and AYUSH industry and also to cater to the need of local health care systems. It illustrates species in high volume trade and highlight species conservation of RET & EN category and AYUSH value species through in-situ and ex-situ conservation modes and measures. Addressal of bottlenecks in the process, such as, transit pass provisions, inclusion of medicinal plantation cultivation as non-forestry activity in FCA, 1980 guidelines and lack of conducive marketing environment is essential to carry forward the process. It also elucidates conservation concerns and operational guidelines for MAP conservation, while doing the normal forestry operations.

The paper unfolds roadmap for holistic development MAP sector, in Maharashtra state in a time bound phased manner. It proposes capitalization on advantage Maharashtra in shape of bio-resource potential in the Western Ghats, Satpuda, and MAPs rich forest tracts in Vidarbha and concentration of herbal industry in Mumbai, Pune and Nasik belt and accessibility to commercial capital and port for trade and export. It visualize the state to play a lead role in MAPs resource conservation, value addition, quality control and developing select brands of herbal products aiming at meeting needs of AYUSH industry and promoting export and reducing import, in MAP related products.

It proposes zonal based cluster approach, recommended by the NMPB, New Delhi and the MSHMPB, Pune for developing processing, value addition, quality control mechanism & facility, marketing infrastructure and networking facilities of MAPs sector for benefit of all the stakeholders and provide for development of focal theme areas to boost the quality production of raw drugs, semi and fully processed herbal medicines and products. Quality assurance is core to credibility of herbal products and medicines, in healthcare.

 

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