The dynamics of socio-economic status of the North Eastern region for small and medium scale entrepreneurship with relevance to Medicinal Plants & its commercial production.

Ms. Sukriti Singh[footnoteRef:1] [1: Department of Appropriate Technology & Entrepreneurship, National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh.]

ABSTRACT

Indias north east has been experiencing a comparatively slower pace of industrialisation and socio-economic growth. The region is blessed with abundant natural resources for industrial development and social development but it is underutilised. The region is having certain distinct advantages which is strategically located with access to the traditional domestic market of eastern India, along with proximity to the major states such as China, Bhutan, Bangladesh & Myanmar, which is an entry point for the South-East Asian markets. The resource-rich fertile farmland, diversified topography and a huge talent pool could turn into one of Indias most prosperous regions. The conventional market-based solutions may not work here, as there exists poor infrastructure and road connectivity, unemployment and low economic development, militancy among others.Medicinal plants activities include the cultivation, collection, processing, manufacturing & marketing of herbal medicines including formulation as per Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy & Traditional Healing System of medicines. There is a good scope for incorporating newer drugs in different formulations by adding locally available drugs. Incorporation of herbs used by the local healers in various formulations is the site of attraction in this field where the rural people in this region can have the scope for various changes in their socio-economic status by adopting different commercial activities of medicinal plants, particularly large scale cultivation of locally available or suitable medicinal plants in wasteland areas. Various species of medicinal plants suitable for cultivation in different climate and altitudes of North East India are also discussed in the paper.

Introduction

North Eastern Region is the rich source of biodiversity which includes high potential of naturally occurring medicinal plants. Seven states of the North East Region, excepting a large part of Assam, are hilly with varying climatic and forest vegetation zones which contain various types of medicinal plants which either do not occur in other parts of the country or have less potential. Local people in these states use so many plants to serve the purpose of local healing of ailments but never adopted in any way for formulation in any system of medicine. The local people of N.E. India also consume as nutritional diet so many medicinal plants used in Indian System of Medicine viz. Bacopa monneri (L.) Penn., Centella asiatica (L) Urban, Discorea bulbifera L., Emblica officinale Gaerth, Eryngium foeitdum L, Terminalia chebula Retz., Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. This shows that people in this region are adopting the use of herbal drugs in their day to day life which helps in keeping their body healthy. The poor farmers who stay in rural areas of North Eastern Region mainly cultivate paddy, maize and vegetables for their lively hood. They also depend upon naturally occurring plants and animals like pigs , chicken and occasionally fish. Very rarely, they are involved in cultivation of horticultural crops like oranges, pine apples, vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, beans, cucumbers,etc.

In North East, the herbal pharmaceuticals are totally dependent on naturally occurring herbs which are being collected from wild sources. It is very unfortunate that there are no pharmaceutics and processing units in this region and the herbal medicines are being procured from other parts of the country inspite of the availability of many specified medicinal plants in forest areas of north east, which can be initially used for various processing in addition to their large scale cultivation practices. Another advantage for adopting medicinal plants practices in rural areas of hilly states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura etc. is the varying topographical and agro climatic conditions from tropical, sub-tropical to temperate and alpine where many medicinal plants naturally occur.

Study Area

The north eastern region of India, particularly the state of Arunachal Pradesh with an area of 83,743 km2 is renowned for its biological richness. The state is located in the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity hotspot and is also listed among the 200 globally important eco regions. The entire area of the state is mountainous and consists of the eastern most ranges of the Himalayas. Its bounded to China in the north, Myanmar in the east and Bhutan in the west. The dissection of the mountain ranges by steep river gorges has presented considerable barriers to dispersal, and subsequent speciation amongst the flora and fauna. All these factors have resulted in Arunachal Pradesh being the abode of the richest assemblage of flora and fauna in India. The state is estimated to have nearly 50% of the total flowering plant species in India. The state Arunachal Pradesh is a land of multiethnic and multilingual community. The state comprises about 26 major tribes and 110 sub tribes are rich in floristic and cultural diversity. The ethnic people in the state have a rich traditional use of different part of the plant sp. For various purposes including health care needs. Today, most of the tribal people use these plants as a source of medicine in their own traditional practices.

Materials and methods

To understand the ethno medicinal plants used in ethno botanical survey had been made in the region. During the survey, some plants having high medicinal value & used commercially elsewhere have been documented which are least known for its medicinal uses in the region, besides the commonly known medicinal plants like Clerodendron colebrookianum, Costus speciosa, Melastoma malabotricum etc. The collections of the data have been made through informal interview and discussion with the local people. Species are identified as per the standard taxonomic procedure with the preparation of Herbarium. Information on plant parts used and local uses was recorded. The identification of specimens was confirmed by consulting available literatures and specimen preserved in the herbarium.

Medicinal PlantsThere are over 500 species of medicinal plants reported so far from Arunachal Pradesh. They can not only cure our ailments but can also be potential source of economy to the state. It will open up avenues in cultivation, processing, packaging, marketing and industrial application. The medicinal plants are found throughout the state. Some of them are much sought after by pharmaceutical companies. Quite obviously it is the rural people, particularly the unemployed woman and children, who would be benefited by these ventures. The demands for medicinal plants are ever increasing as people are more and more fascinated towards herbal medicines. Extraction from wild has its own problems and risks. We need to cultivate for larger production, commercial viability and authenticity. Cultivation will help in conservation of some of our medicinal herbs that are being pushed to the danger of extinction. Cultivation of medicinal plants are not only economical but are ecologically safer too. We have different agro-climatic conditions available in the state depending upon the altitude. Practically any type of land available can be used to cultivate one or the other medicinal plant. Thus they are useful for jhum fallows, wastelands, forest lands, river banks, marshy areas, roadsides, farm yards, home gardens and the like. There could be some species suiting to these conditions. These plants in various combinations can be used to make multitier plantation.1. Acorus calamus(Boch, Vacha, Vayambu) This perennial herb of marshy habitats is easy to cultivate through rhizome cuttings in tropical and sub-tropical zones. The tubers are traded as it is reputed as brain tonic, coolant and drug for colic. It has high demand in the market. Commercial production starts from 3rd year.

2. Andrographis paniculate(Kalmegh, Chiraita teeta) This bitter annual herb has hepato-protective properties and is an anthelmentic and liver tonic. It is a blood purifier too. The whole plant is used. It is one of the high demand species propagated through seeds and ideal for open or partial shade localities in low altitudes. Crop becomes commercially ready in 4-6 months.

3. Aquilaria agallocha(Agar, Sasi, Indian eagle wood) This tropical deciduous tree is very valuable for its transformed wood which on distillation yields Agar oil which has high export value. Cultivation is through seed raised seedlings. It is suitable for both open and partial shade. Artificial induction of agar in live trees is possible. Takes 8 to 20 years for Agar development.

4. Dioscorea floribunda(Kham alu) This is a tropical climber with underground tubers and bulbils. The tubers yield diosgeninan alkalloid used in pharmaceuticals. Propagation is through pieces of tubers and bulbils. Farming of this species is profitable. Inter cropping is also possible. Production starts from first year.

5. Oroxylum indicum(Bhatghilla, Jigat) This deciduous tree is naturally seen in the secondary forests in the tropics. It is in high demand now days for its bark used for tanning and as medicine for fever and many other ailments and as tonic. Propagation is through seeds. Bark is ready by 10 years, can be harvested sustainably through scientific methods.

6. Piper longum (Pipli),Piper brachystachyum, Pmullesua, P. peepuloides (Round Pipli) Climbers or Undershrubs. It is an important medicinal plant of Ayurved. Fruits are collected and traded, for which excellent scope of marketing exist. It is ideal for under planting and for partially shaded areas. Multiplication through suckers, stem cuttings and seeds. Harvest expected from 2nd to 4th year.

7. Rauvolfia serpentina(Sarpagandha) This perennial undershrub can be cultivated in the low altitudes in open as well as shady areas. The roots are reputed for the treatment of blood pressure. Roots ready to harvest form second years' onwards. Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.

8. Tinospora cordifolia(Amrit lata, Guduchi, Giloyee) This is a tropical climber which is used as a tonic and vitaliser. It is also used as an antibiotic & is helpful in increasing the Blood Platelets. The stem is used for drug manufacture and traded. It is ideal for multitier plantation. It has very high demand. It is propagated through stem cuttings.

9. Whithania somnifera(Ashwagandha) A herbaceous perennial plant, reputed as Indian Ginseng and used for vitality and vigour. It can be cultivated in open and shady areas which are well drained and dry. The roots have great marketing potential. Its propagation is through seeds.

10. Aconitum ferox, Aconitum hetero-phyllum(Atish, Aconite) Perennial herbs of alpine and sub alpine habitats. It is usually grown in open places. Roots used for medicine. Very good market prospects for the roots and tubers. Multiplication through seeds and tubers.

11. Coptis teeta(Mishmi teeta) This is a temperate herb found only in Arunachal Pradesh. It can be cultivated as under planting. Propagation is through seeds. The roots are sold for treatment of variety of diseases.

12. Gymnadaenia orchidis(Panch hath, Salam pancha) This annual herbaceous orchid produces high value medicinal tubers which are general tonic. It is ideal in open places in alpine localities. Its propagation is through tubers.

13. Illicium griffithii(Lissi) This is a high altitude tree valued for its fruits. The fruits are used as spice and medicine. Multiplication is through seeds and branch cuttings. Ii is ideal for mixed plantations. Has good market potential.

14. Panax sikkimensis, Panax spp.(Ginseng) It is a perennial herb with tubers. It grows in temperate and sub temperate zones. Ideal for cultivation as under planting. The tubers are highly priced and has high demand. This is a rejuvenating general tonic. The propagation is through seeds and tubers. Harvest by 4-8 years.

15. Picrorrhiza kurroa(Kutki) This is a stem-less perennial herb of alpine habitats. It is in high demand for a variety of herbal medicines. It can be grown in open localities and grasslands. Propagation is through seeds and suckers. It is much rare in nature. Rhizome becomes ready by 4th year.

16. Rubia cordifolia(Manjista) This is a perennial climber with four leaves at each node. It yields orange/red dye. It is a high demand species in the medicinal plant market. It is ideal for sub-tropical and temperate zones. Prefers shady localities but possible to grow in open too, Propagation through seeds. Crop is ready for harvest by 3rd year.

17. Taxus baccata(Yew) is a temperate conifer tree. The leaves yield costly taxol. Ideal for cultivation in high altitudes as mixed planting and propagation is through seeds. It is easy to multiply through stem cuttings. Has very high demand in market.

18. Aloe vera(Ghritkumari) It is asucculent plantspeciesthat is found only in cultivation, having no naturally occurring populations, although closely relatedaloesdo occur in northern Africa.The species is frequently cited as being used inherbal medicinesince the beginning of the first century AD. Extracts fromA.veraare widely used in the cosmetics andalternative medicineindustries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing, or soothing properties.

List of selected medicinal plants for multi-tier plantation.

Low altitude (Tropical and Subtropical areas) Below 1000m mean sea level.

Trees : Aquilaria agallochaEmblica officinalisGmelina arboreaOroxylum indicumTerminalia arjunaTeminalia belliricaTeminalia chebulaBixa orellanaAcorus calamusAndrographis paniculataCatheranthus roseusCostus speciosusCymbopogon citratusPiper mullesuaPiper peepuloidesRauvolfia serpentinaWithania somnifera

Climbers : Dioscorea floribundaGloriosa superbaPiper longumPiper nigrumTinospora cordifolia

High altitude (temperate and Alpine areas) Above 1000 m mean sea level.

Trees : Taxus baccataIllicium griffithii

Herbs : Aconitum feroxAconitum heterophyllumCoptis teetaGymnadaenia orchidisPanax sikkimensisPanax pseudoginsengPanax bipinnatifidaPicrorrhiza kurroaPodophyllum hexandrumValeriana jatamansi

Climbers :Rubia cordifolia

Involvement in manufacturing of Herbal MedicinesThe term herbal medicines include Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic medicines made from plants. Preparation of crude parts of medicines like churna, kwaths can be performed in rural areas by constituting herbal societies through Self Help Groups in collaboration with the Government/Private Industries working in the field. For the manufacture of these basic medicines plant materials can be obtained from- 1. Wild source (collection system)2. Daily needs viz. vegetables, spices and condiments 3. Cultivation fields ( Herbal gardens).

1. Medicinal plants from wild source :Various medicinal plants that are naturally occurring in various altitudinal forest zones of North east region and widely used by various pharmaceuticals are listed in table 1, 2, & 3:

Table 1. List of Medicinal Plants occur in Tropical Zone

Botanical name Trade name Type of formulationAcorus calamus Vacha RespiratoryAdiantum lunulutum Hanspadi RespiratoryAsparagus racemosus Shatavari Tonic,Arth.Cassia alata Dadmardan Skin ointmentCassia tora Chakramarda Skin ointment/suspensionSida rhombifolia Bala Liver tonicSolanum khasianum Kantakari SwasSalmalia malabarica Salmili Stimulant/aphroSolanum torvum Brahti SwasSolanum nirgum Kakamachi Digest.LiverStephania hernandifolia Rajpatha Fever,malariaTinospora cordifolia Guduchi Liver disorderZizyphus mauritiana Badari Digest,Liver disorder

Table. 2: List of Medicinal Plants occur in Sub-Tropical zone :

Botanical name Trade name Type of formulationBerberis aristata Daru Haridra Liver dis. Eye tr.Embelia ribes Vai bidang Worm liver dis.Hedychium spicatum Shati Joint painRubia cordifolia Manjistha Skin dis. Blood purifierValeriana hardwickii Tagar Cardiac troub.Zanthoxylum alatum Timburu Eye/digestion

Table. 3: List of Medicinal Plants occur in Alpine zone :

Botanical name Trade name Type of formulationAconitum heterophyllum Visha AntipoisonBerginia ciliate Pashanbheda Urinary/liver disorderIllicium grifithii Lissi Respiratory disorderJuglans gegia Aksoda Nutritional dietPolygonatum verticillatum Meda TonicRubia cordifolia Manjistha Skin/blood disorderSwertia chirayita Chiraita Liver disorder/MalariaTaxus accata Talisa Cough/cancerValeriana hardwickii Tagar Cardiac disorder

2. Medicinal plants from daily requirements:

Vegetables, spices, condiments etc. which are used in daily diet can also be included under the category of curing various ailments. These food and essential items are also widely used in formulation of several herbal medicines

3. Cultivation of Medicinal plants in rural areas:

The huge wasteland of rural areas in North East India can be utilized for the purpose of medicinal plants cultivation practice. The cultivation of highly demanded medicinal plants not only evolves a new site for economic up-liftment of rural people but also solves the following problems.

i) Utilization of wastelands for better economy.ii) Utilization of unemployed youth in highly productive works.iii) Enhancement of income.iv) Providing sufficient raw materials for the medicine manufacturing firms.v) Maintaining the balance between ecology and biodiversity.vi) Development of double cropping system by mixing medicinal plants with other crops like millet, maize and vegetables.vii) Luring of underground/naxal outfits to join the mainstream of society by adopting these methods.

Selection of plant material:

Adoption of medicinal plant cultivation in various waste lands of rural areas should be made with high yield cost and easy cultivation practice which has already been evolved by Research & Development activities at various altitudinal zones. Planting materials can easily be procured from various Research institutions or from natural source in the same areas. Research & Development Institutions should make experimental trials on increasing the list of highly demanded medicinal plants in consultation with the pharmaceuticals .After establishment of National Medicinal Plants Board and State Medicinal Plants Board, Spices Board in different states, cultivation of selected medicinal plants has been initiated with an involvement of Research & Development organizations in the concerned state.

Cultivation in tropical Himalayas:

In the plains of Assam and neighbouring states of tropical Himalayas such as Arunachal Pradesh, cultivation of medicinal plants has been initiated with limited species. However, cultivation of following medicinal plants species have a good scope for sharing with pharmaceuticals.

Herbs : Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegha),Centella asiatica (Mandooka parni),Eclipta alba (Bhringaraja), Pogostemon patchouli (Pacholi), Rauvolfia serpen-tine (Sarpagandha), Solanum berginianum (Kantakari), Solanum nigrum (Kakamachi).

Trees: Aegle marmelos (Bilva), Aquilaria agallocha (Agaru), Azadirachta indica(Nimba),Cinnamomum tamala(Tejpatra), Gmelina arborea (Gambhari),Gynocardia odoritissima(Chaulmoogra),Holarrhena antidysenterica (Kutaj),Mesua ferrea (Naaga Keshara),Pongamia pinnata (Karanj), Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna), Terminalia belerica (Bahera),Terminalia chebula (Haritaki).

Shrubs and climbers : Argyrea nervosa(Bradh Daru), Asparagus racemosus(Shatavari),Cathranthus roseus (Sadanpushpi), Dioscorea bulbifera(Varahi kand),Embelia ribes (Vaibidang), Mucuna pruriens (Atmagupta/Konch), Piper longum (Pippali), Pipernigrum (Maricha), Smilax glabra (Chobchini), S.macrophylla (Chobchini), Tinospara cordifolia (Guduchi), Justicea adhatoda (Vasaka), Rauvolfia tetraphylla (Sarpagandhabheda).

For change in the socio-economic status of local people in rural areas of North East, the other practices of medicinal plants like processing trade and preparation of basic component for manufacturing of medicines belonging to various herbal groups are also to be adopted.

Conservation aspect: The need for co-ordinated conservation action, based on both in situ and ex situ strategies; inclusion of community and gender perspectives in the development of policies and programmes; the need for more information on the medicinal plant trade; the establishment of systems for inventorying and monitoring the status of medicinal plants; the development of sustainable harvesting and post harvesting practices; encouragement for microenterprise development by indigenous and rural communities; and the protection of traditional resource and intellectual property rights. Jhum cultivation practise generally adopted by the people of Arunachal Pradesh poses a great threat to the very existence of locally available medicinal plants. The local people and farmers should be made aware of the possibilities available in the wilderness of the region and trained so as to see this possibility as an opportunity for entrepreneurship.

Conclusion and suggestions:

The North Eastern Region are abundant with wasteland area of natural vegetation including medicinal plants which can be used directly for the preparation of herbal medicines by involving rural educated persons in association with the drug manufacturing firms. Un-planned collection of drugs from wild is a temporary solution for initiating the preparation of medicines and to generate income for change in rural life but this practice would lead to the threat of extinction of many medicinal plants in the wild. Hence, ex situ cultivation practice of medicinal plants is the ideal and permanent solution for the same. Rural people who are having wasteland for adapting such programmes should undertake cultivation of medicinal plants along with food crops to get dual benefit. Besides cultivation and collection of medicinal plants in rural areas of North Eastern Region, processing of medicinal plants like drying, powdering and making simple medicines are also to be encouraged for better economy of the rural life

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