A brief review on inter-cropping method for cultivation of medicinal drugs
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A brief review on inter-cropping method for cultivation of medicinal drugs
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Vd. Mrunal Akre, Vd. Ravindra Kharat and Dr. Aparna Ghotankar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A brief review on inter-cropping method for cultivation of medicinal drugs
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201610-7136
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
India's agricultural landscape heavily relies on the intercropping method, which enables farmers to maximize land usage while simultaneously cultivating food crops. This technique not only enhances crop yield but also reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides, thus contributing to sustainable farming practices. However, there is an emerging need to apply this intercropping strategy to the cultivation of medicinal plants, a crucial component of traditional health systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The growing demand for medicinal plants, coupled with their dwindling wild populations, necessitates a concerted effort to promote their cultivation alongside food crops to maintain biodiversity and support the economy.
2) Importance of Intercropping in Medicinal Plant Cultivation
Intercropping is defined as the simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops in the same field, which can lead to increased biodiversity and resilience within agricultural practices. There are different types of intercropping, including mixed intercropping, row intercropping, strip intercropping, and relay intercropping. Each type has unique advantages that allow farmers to optimize space, labor, and resources. Intercropping can help achieve energy independence, reduce fertilizer costs, and stabilize agricultural income by diversifying outputs. By integrating medicinal plants such as Shatavari and Ashwagandha with staple crops like black gram and red gram, farmers can enhance their economic viability while ensuring the conservation of these valuable plant resources.
3) The Role of Medicinal Plants in Traditional Medicine
Medicinal plants have been integral to various traditional medical systems worldwide, with about 75% of the population in developing countries relying on traditional medicine for healthcare. Despite modern medicine's advancements, plants remain vital, accounting for a significant portion of new drug discoveries. In India alone, traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani utilize approximately 8,000 plant species for therapeutic purposes. This rich flora highlights the economic potential and cultural significance of medicinal plants in India, encouraging the need for sustainable practices to prevent overharvesting and maintain ecological balance.
4) Challenges in Medicinal Plant Resource Management
Despite their importance, many medicinal plant species are under threat due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and unsustainable harvesting practices. Many popular medicinal plants are diminishing and classified as endangered or critically endangered under conservation assessments. The reliance on wild populations exacerbates the issue, with many species facing extinction as demand continues to rise among pharmaceutical industries. Failures in species-wise demand estimation further complicate sustainable management efforts, making it imperative to cultivate these plants in agricultural settings through methods like intercropping.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of medicinal plant cultivation within existing agricultural practices presents a viable solution for both conservation and economic empowerment of farmers. By promoting intercropping systems that include medicinal herbs alongside conventional crops, India can enhance its biodiversity, meet the growing market demand for herbal products, and offer potential solutions to healthcare challenges. To accomplish this, collaborative efforts from farmers, government bodies, and private institutions must focus on the education and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that leverage India's rich heritage of medicinal plants.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of intercropping in agriculture?
Intercropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field, which helps maximize yield, protects crops from pests, and reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
How does intercropping benefit the cultivation of medicinal plants?
Intercropping allows farmers to grow medicinal plants alongside food crops, promoting biodiversity, conserving resources, and improving soil health while providing additional income sources.
Why is there a demand for medicinal plants in India?
India's rich biodiversity and traditional medicine practices create a high demand for medicinal plants, yet only a small fraction is met locally, resulting in reliance on imports.
What types of intercropping exist in farming techniques?
Types include mixed intercropping, row intercropping, strip intercropping, and relay intercropping, each with distinct arrangements and management practices.
What are some economic advantages of intercropping?
Intercropping increases overall yield, reduces input costs, offers flexibility in labor, and provides a wider variety of products for markets, promoting economic stability.
Which medicinal plants can be effectively intercropped?
Medicinal plants like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and various herbs can be effectively intercropped with food crops such as black gram and brinjal to optimize space and yields.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A brief review on inter-cropping method for cultivation of medicinal drugs”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Species:
In the context of medicinal plants, species denote specific types of flora used in traditional and modern medicine. Understanding different species helps in identifying their medicinal properties, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices like intercropping that can enhance productivity and preservation of these valuable plants.
2) Crop:
Crops refer to cultivated plants grown for consumption or other uses. In agricultural contexts, the selection of suitable crops, including medicinal plants, is crucial for intercropping systems that optimize land use, enhance soil fertility, and improve yield efficiency, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and economic viability.
3) India:
India has a rich heritage of medicinal plants and a diverse agricultural ecosystem. As a major player in the global herbal market, India relies on its indigenous knowledge systems like Ayurveda. Effective utilization and conservation of medicinal plant species contribute to national economic growth and sustainable agricultural models.
4) Drug:
Drugs are substances used for medical treatment. Many drugs are derived from plants, integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with modern pharmacology. The cultivation and intercropping of medicinal plant species reflect the importance of biodiversity in drug discovery and the sustainability of herbal healthcare systems.
5) Trade:
Trade in medicinal plants represents a significant economic opportunity, particularly in India where the demand for traditional medicine is great. By developing sustainable trade practices for these plants, farmers can benefit economically while conserving biodiversity, which is vital for both cultural and biological heritage.
6) Field:
In agriculture, a field is an area of land used for cultivating crops. The concept of intercropping in fields allows farmers to grow multiple crops simultaneously. This practice can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost farm productivity, making farming systems more resilient.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the use of natural herbs for healing. The cultivation of medicinal plants plays a key role in Ayurveda, where specific species are valued for their therapeutic properties, highlighting the connection between traditional practices and sustainable agriculture.
8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses various substances and practices for promoting health and curing diseases. The reliance on plant-based medicines underscores the need for sustainable harvesting and cultivation techniques, ensuring that medicinal plants remain available for future generations as part of health care systems worldwide.
9) Farmer:
Farmers are vital to agriculture and the cultivation of medicinal plants. Through practices like intercropping, they can improve their economic viability by growing multiple crops, including medicinal species, which contribute to biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices that meet both market demand and conservation needs.
10) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food and other products. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as intercropping medicinal plants with food crops, can help improve food security while conserving biodiversity and promoting ecological health.
11) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on the properties and effects of medicinal herbs. It plays a crucial role in identifying valuable plant species for health care and emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with cultivation practices to ensure the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
12) Cutting:
Cutting is a method of plant propagation involving removing a section of a plant, which can grow roots to form a new plant. This technique is commonly used for medicinal herbs in intercropping systems to enhance productivity while preserving the original plant.
13) Brahmi:
Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Its cultivation alongside other crops in intercropping systems contributes to biodiversity, offering farmers a chance to diversify income while promoting ecological balance.
14) Soil:
Soil health is fundamental to agriculture and the successful cultivation of both food and medicinal crops. Practices like intercropping can enhance soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity, creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports diverse plant life and contributes to agricultural productivity.
15) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Giloy, is a medicinal plant recognized for its immune-boosting properties. Its cultivation can be integrated into intercropping systems, enhancing yields while providing additional health benefits, demonstrating the economic value of biodiversity in agriculture.
16) Commiphora wightii:
Commiphora wightii, also known as guggul, is a significant medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic treatments. Understanding its cultivation practices and potential for intercropping reveals opportunities for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the growing market demand for natural health products.
17) Southern India:
Southern India is rich in unique medicinal plant species and traditional knowledge. The focus on conservation and sustainable harvesting in this region is essential as it plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities through agricultural practices.
18) Saraca asoca:
Saraca asoca, or Ashoka tree, is valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Its propagation through sustainable agricultural practices like intercropping supports biodiversity and ensures that this important species remains available for use in herbal medicine.
19) Harvesting (Harvest):
The harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. Efficient harvesting strategies for medicinal plants, especially in intercropping systems, ensure the sustainability of plant species while maximizing the economic benefits for farmers involved in both health and food production.
20) Forest:
Forests are key ecosystems that harbor a wide diversity of medicinal plants. Sustainable forest management practices are crucial for the conservation of these species and maintaining ecological balance, promoting the use of forest resources in traditional medicine without compromising biodiversity.
21) Food:
Food crops are essential for human survival and agricultural sustainability. Integrating the cultivation of medicinal plants with food crops in intercropping systems provides an opportunity to enhance nutritional security while promoting the conservation of valuable herbal resources for medicine.
22) Rich (Rch):
The term rich often refers to the abundance of biodiversity found in certain regions, such as India. This richness in medicinal plants and herbs is crucial for traditional medicine systems and presents opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices that support both health and economic benefits.
23) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties. Its cultivation in intercropping systems enhances environmental health, provides additional income for farmers, and reinforces traditional ecological knowledge associated with using this versatile plant for health and pest management.
24) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, known as Haritaki, is a vital medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Cultivating this species alongside food crops can improve biodiversity and provide economic benefits to farmers, demonstrating the importance of integrating valuable medicinal plants in sustainable agricultural practices.
25) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is valued for its adaptogenic properties. Its integration into intercropping systems can enhance farmers' income, maintain soil health, and preserve important medicinal flora, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
26) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum, or Salparni, is recognized for its medicinal uses in traditional systems. Cultivating this plant in conjunction with food crops through intercropping can optimize land use while supporting sustainable practices for conservation and biodiversity.
27) Shatavari (Satavari):
Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, is a prominent medicinal herb known for its health benefits. Promoting its cultivation through intercropping can enhance soil health and farmer income while ensuring the availability of this vital medicinal resource for future generations.
28) Knowledge:
Knowledge of indigenous medicinal plants and their uses is crucial for sustainable practices in agriculture and health care. Integrating traditional and scientific knowledge supports effective conservation efforts and promotes the cultivation of valuable medicinal species through practices such as intercropping.
29) Seedling:
Seedlings are young plants grown from seeds, often vital for establishing new crops. In medicinal plant cultivation, using healthy seedlings can enhance growth rates and yield, and when intercropped, they can also contribute to soil health and overall farm productivity.
30) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut trees are integral to tropical agriculture and can be intercropped with medicinal plants. This practice enhances land use efficiency, promotes biodiversity, and provides farmers with diverse income streams through food and medicinal crops.
31) Siddha:
Siddha medicine is one of the traditional Indian systems that emphasizes the use of herbal therapies for healing. Cultivating indigenous medicinal plants suitable for Siddha practices is essential for environmental sustainability and preserving cultural heritage in health care.
32) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal, known for its biodiversity, has a wealth of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. The cultivation and conservation of these plants are vital for sustainable agriculture and contribute to the economic development of the region through herbal trade.
33) Labour (Labor):
Labour is essential in agriculture, especially in the cultivation of medicinal plants. Efficient use of labor in practices like intercropping can enhance productivity and economic viability, promoting sustainable agricultural systems that support both workers and the environment.
34) Indian:
Indian medicinal plants form a crucial part of traditional and holistic health care systems. Their sustainable cultivation is vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting local economies, and preserving cultural heritage in practices like Ayurveda and Siddha.
35) Kali:
Kali, or Curculigo orchioides, is a significant medicinal plant utilized in traditional health practices. Its cultivation, along with other crops, highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural methods that support biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems.
36) Vetiveria zizanoides:
Vetiveria zizanoides, or vetiver, is valued for its aromatic roots and medicinal properties. Its integration into intercropping systems enhances soil health and helps in erosion control, contributing to environmentally sustainable farming practices while providing additional income sources for farmers.
37) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, or Amla, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits. Cultivating Amla alongside food crops helps preserve this important species, ensuring its sustainability and availability while improving farmers' economic returns.
38) Cinnamomum tamala:
Cinnamomum tamala, known as Tejpatra, is valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. Its cultivation in intercropping practices can enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and provide additional income for farmers involved in sustainable agricultural practices.
39) Berberis aristata:
Berberis aristata, or Daruhaldi, is recognized for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. Its cultivation through intercropping with other crops can help support biodiversity, ecological balance, and farmers’ economic stability.
40) Rubia cordifolia:
Rubia cordifolia, commonly known as Manjishtha, is utilized for its medicinal benefits. Incorporating it into intercropping systems enhances ground coverage and soil quality, benefiting both medicinal and food crops, promoting sustainable agricultural approaches.
41) Cyperus rotundus:
Cyperus rotundus, or Musta, is recognized for its use in herbal medicine. Its cultivation alongside other crops through intercropping practices can optimize land use, enhance soil health, and provide economic benefits to farmers.
42) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, known as Tesu or Flame of the Forest, holds ecological and medicinal significance. Its cultivation in sustainable intercropping systems supports not just biodiversity but also provides additional income through its use in traditional medicine.
43) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, or Durva grass, is commonly used in traditional healing practices. Its growth as a companion plant in intercropping can help protect soil and enhance agricultural productivity while contributing to the ecological balance.
44) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, or Katha, is a significant medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties. Integrating its cultivation into intercropping systems enhances biodiversity and farmers' income, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
45) Croton tiglium:
Croton tiglium, known for its medicinal uses, particularly in traditional remedies, can be integrated into intercropping systems. This practice enhances farm biodiversity, provides additional income streams, and supports sustainable agriculture.
46) Madhuca indica:
Madhuca indica, also known as Mahua, is valued for its flowers and oil. Its cultivation in intercropping systems promotes biodiversity while providing farmers with diverse income opportunities through both edible and medicinal applications.
47) Piper longum:
Piper longum, or Pippali, is crucial in Ayurveda for its health benefits. Its integration in intercropping can improve economic viability and help sustain biodiversity, demonstrating the importance of using traditional knowledge in modern agricultural practices.
48) Vetiveria zizanioides:
Vetiveria zizanioides, or vetiver grass, is known for its aromatic properties and soil conservation benefits. Cultivating it alongside medicinal plants promotes soil health and biodiversity, demonstrating the advantages of sustainable agricultural practices.
49) Indigofera tinctoria:
Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as indigo, is significant both for its dye and healing properties. Its cultivation via intercropping can support local medicinal systems while benefiting farmers through enhanced market opportunities.
50) Terminalia bellirica:
Terminalia bellirica, or Baheda, is valued in traditional medicine. Cultivating this species alongside food crops can increase biodiversity and provide economic benefits, essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
51) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, or Shatavari, is important in Ayurveda for its health benefits. Integrating its cultivation in intercropping systems can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide economic benefits for farmers, promoting sustainability.
52) Ficus benghalensis:
Ficus benghalensis, or Banyan tree, is a revered tree in Indian culture and also has medicinal applications. Its integration into agricultural systems can foster biodiversity and support ecological balance.
53) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, known as Chitrak, holds significance in traditional health practices. Its sustainable cultivation can enhance medicinal resource availability while supporting farm productivity through intercropping.
54) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, or Gunja, is notable for its medicinal properties as well as its toxic nature. Understanding its cultivation and management within intercropping systems can ensure safe and responsible use of biodiversity.
55) Michelia champaca:
Michelia champaca, or Champaca, is valued for its fragrant flowers and traditional medicinal uses. Its integration into agricultural practices supports biodiversity while providing aesthetic and economic benefits.
56) Terminalia arjuna:
Terminalia arjuna is valued in Ayurveda for its heart health benefits. Cultivation in intercropping systems aids in the conservation of this important species while enhancing the sustainable practices of farmer communities.
57) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba, known for its striking flowers and medicinal uses, can be cultivated sustainably in intercropping systems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and enhancing economic opportunities for farmers.
58) Oroxylum indicum:
Oroxylum indicum, or Broken Bones Plant, is significant in traditional healing practices. Its cultivation within intercropping systems can support biodiversity, providing both medicinal benefits and economic returns.
59) Gmelina arborea:
Gmelina arborea, or Gambhar tree, is important for its timber and medicinal benefits. Its cultivation alongside food crops can enhance biodiversity, supporting sustainable agricultural practices while providing additional economic value.
60) Mimusops elengi:
Mimusops elengi, known as Bakul tree, is used in traditional medicine. Integrating its cultivation into intercropping systems helps in conserving this valuable species while also promoting ecological balance.
61) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, or Sweet flag, is valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Cultivating it alongside food crops can enhance biodiversity, contributing to ecological health while meeting market demands for medicinal herbs.
62) Shankhapushpi (Sankhapuspi, Samkhapuspi):
Shankhapushpi, generally known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, can be cultivated sustainably within intercropping systems. Its integration promotes biodiversity, supports sustainable agriculture, and provides economic benefits to farmers.
63) Civilization:
Civilization refers to the complex societies that have developed and significantly relied on agriculture for sustenance. The cultivation of medicinal plants within these societies reflects the integration of traditional knowledge, agricultural practices, and the preservation of biodiversity for health and well-being.
64) Bombax ceiba:
Bombax ceiba, or Silk cotton tree, is significant in traditional medicine and as an ecological resource. Its sustainable cultivation enhances biodiversity and supports various uses, demonstrating the importance of integrating traditional plants in agrobiodiversity efforts.
65) Arrangement:
Arrangement in agriculture refers to the systematic organization of crops within a field. Effective arrangements, such as intercropping medicinal plants with food crops, can maximize land use, improve yields and promote sustainability in farming practices.
66) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashwagandha, synonymous with Ashvagandha, is significant in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic qualities. Understanding its propagation and cultivation within intercropping systems aids in preserving this important medicinal resource and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
67) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjishtha, or Rubia cordifolia, is valued for its application in traditional medicine. Its integration into intercropping systems supports ecological balance and promotes sustainable agricultural practices while providing medicinal benefits.
68) Malkangani:
Malkangani, or Celastrus paniculatus, is known for its traditional use in improving cognitive function. Cultivating it in intercropping systems enhances biodiversity and provides potential economic opportunities for farmers interested in medicinal plant cultivation.
69) Saptaparni (Sapta-parni):
Saptaparni, or Alstonia scholaris, is acknowledged for its medicinal properties. Its integration into intercropping systems enhances soil health and supports sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring the availability of this valuable plant resource.
70) Developing:
Developing regions often depend on cultivation of medicinal plants for promoting health care and economic stability. Sustainable practices in these areas, such as intercropping, can enhance community income and foster biodiversity, contributing to the overall advancement of agriculture.
71) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is rich in medicinal plant biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The cultivation and sustainable use of these plants, particularly through intercropping, are crucial for supporting local economies and preserving cultural heritage in health care.
72) Science (Scientific):
Science plays a critical role in understanding and improving agricultural practices associated with medicinal plants. By applying scientific methods to cultivation and conservation, farmers can optimize yields while fostering biodiversity in integrated systems.
73) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
Punarnava, or Boerhavia diffusa, is known for its medicinal uses, particularly in traditional medicine. Its cultivation within intercropping systems can provide additional health benefits and promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers.
74) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a region known for its diverse native flora, including numerous medicinal plants. Sustainable cultivation practices in this area support local economies and healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity through methods like intercropping.
75) Aparajita:
Aparajita, or Clitoria ternatea, is recognized for its beneficial properties in traditional systems. Its integration in intercropping systems supports biodiversity and can bolster farmers’ economic gains while preserving native flora.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 151]