Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) hold significant importance in the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal traditions of the rural and tribal communities in Jharkhand. Today, around 80% of the developing world relies on traditional plant-based medicines for primary healthcare. With their deep connection to forests, tribes in Jharkhand possess invaluable knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants, passed down through generations. Various tribal groups, including the Santhal, Paharia, Oraon, Munda, Kol, Kharwar, Ho, Asur, and Baiga, inhabit the state and possess rich ethnobotanical knowledge. They gather and utilize a wide array of plant parts for daily needs and healthcare. Jharkhand's diverse climate lends itself well to the cultivation of numerous medicinal and aromatic plants like Ashwagandha, Sarpgandha, Gudmar, Satawar, Lemongrass, Kalmegh, Tulsi, Moringa, Bel, Kiwanch, Giloy, and Safed Musli. Integrating these plants into agricultural systems provides opportunities for diversification and income generation for farmers. However, over-reliance on wild collection has led to the depletion of these resources, pushing many species towards extinction. Urgent action is needed to promote cultivation and sustainable harvesting practices to conserve medicinal and aromatic plant species in Jharkhand. This includes providing support for cultivation, extension services, and marketing linkages.
