M. Y. Ansari , H. P. Singh , Ashish Rawat

Abstract

Agro-technologies for cultivation of a number of medicinal plants have been developed but large scale cultivation of medicinal plants on farm lands in Uttarakhand is yet to begin. Among other causes for this gap, lack of reasonable correct information on economics of cultivation of medicinal plants is one important cause. The economics of cultivation of six medicinal plant species viz; Kutki, Kuth, Atees, Meetha, Chirayata and Buchh was studied on farmer's field in Uttarkashi District. The net benefits calculated for each species were subjected to cost effectiveness at 9% discount rate in relation to fall in prices by 20%, 30% and 40%, increase in wage rate by 20%, 30% and 40%, and increase in rental value (opportunity cost) of land by 20%, 30% and 40%. The net benefit calculated for each species were also analysed to sensitivity analysis in relation to increase in wage rate by 20 % and increase in rental value (opportunity cost) of land by 20%. The results showed that maximum net benefits of Rs. 1240, Rs. 427 and Rs. 153 could be received at 9% discount rate by Atees, Kutki and Chirayata respectively.

Keywords

Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, Aconitum
heterophyllum (Atees), Picrohiza Kurooa (kutki), Saussurea Costus (Kuth), Aconitum ferox
(Meetha), Swertia Species (Chirayata), Acorus calamus (Buchh), Economic Analysis,
Sensitivity Analysis, Rental Value

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Ashish Rawat , B. L. Chaudhary

Abstract

The rural poverty has increased by 10.16% 0991-1997) meaning the number of rural people currently living below the poverty line, are nearly 290 million. While embarking upon joint forest management experiments it is important to realize that the people living close to forests are still facing the fundamental problems like where they are going to get their next meal from. "Thin sampling" of JFM cases should be revisited in-depth to ascertain the processes, outcomes, and lessons for strengthening the cause of conservation. In fact it indicates the further research needs to strengthen the JFM institutions. The lack of capabilities deprives an individual! a group to take advantage of opportunities, and the same opportunities are likely to be squandered or misused by influential vested interests. Eorests&wildlife has evolved over centuries, and that is vanishing fast. To protect it, legal enforcement capabilities of the forest department are also strengthened to check the dominating vested interest while the greater understanding of the system, and its objectives, and the gradual and positive participation of every person at village level in JFM institutions is ensured. And, if JFM has to succeed further, there must be a well-conceived capacity building programme for all participants- people, NGOs, and foresters, supported by earnest scientific studies based on rural realities.

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