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i MAP TODAY

Magazine on Medicinal & Aromatic Plants.

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Publishers notes
Medicinal & Aromatic Plants  Starting of a New Era

Medicinal and aromatic plants constitute a large segment of the flora which provide raw materials for Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Perfumery, Fragrance and Flavour Industries.   It has been estimated that India is endowed with about 47,000 species of plants and ranks 8th in the world biodiversity.  Out of these, 8000 species are known to be medicinal.  Indian system of Medicine (ISM) use around 2,500 plant species belonging to more than 1,000 genera.  About 800 species are used by industry, of which approximately 25% are presently cultivated. Similarly, some 1300 plant species are known to contain aromas but only about 2% are cultivated.

As per an estimate of WHO, about 80% of the population in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care.  Most of the traditional medicines are plant-based drugs .  Moreover 20% of prescription drugs (20% of US$ 380 billion i.e. 76 billion) are presently derived from plants.  Additional  market valued US$ 8-10 billion exists for plant based Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and herbal teas.  Indian market size for plant based crude drugs is about Rs.43 billion excluding Annual export of about Rs.3 billion, mostly through export of isabgol, senna and other raw herbs.

According to a recent estimate of Planning Commission (Government of India), there exists potential for plant based crude drug  to the tune of  Rs.400 billion.   A task Force constituted by the Planning Commission has laid out strategies to improve Export of herbal products to the tune of Rs.30 billion by 2005 and Rs.100 billion by 2010. This would be in addition to the  production required to meet domestic market.  Globally, the demand for medicinal plants and their derivatives is growing at a rate of 7-15% per annum (as estimated by Exim Bank) on account of the fact that they are non-narcotic & have little or no side effects. The annual growth rate is planned to be stepped to 20% by 2010.

Considering the need of farmers & processors to have latest information for updating their knowledge and know trends in the marketing, Infoconcepts India Inc. has decided to publish a Bi-Monthly exclusively for MAP Sector.
It will be our endeavour to bring latest and relevant information  from the nook and corner of India, from the fields of farmers, Scientific Labs., Promotional Agencies, etc. for the benefit of all players in MAP sector, but more particularly for farmers.

CONTENTS - INSIDE INAUGURAL ISSUE CONTENTS

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Quality : The 1st Objective

Quality is an all inclusive aspect. It extends from the internal to external working. It covers all stages from Raw-material to processing to packing of the end product. In Today's globalised Economy, Products & Services already flow across the markets seamlessly. In coming years this will only increase. The 1st and Most important aspect which gets noticed and differentiates one product from another is its quality. Those who adopt and adhere to Quality Standards will remain in demand. Those who improve on it will increase their demand. This will happen in all areas of human activity. It will naturally happen in MAP sector also.

Developing the standards for Quality and promoting them requires consensus and Co-ordinated efforts. But most importantly it requires commitment. Commitment at all stages. In case of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants commitment would be required in all stages of cultivation, Processing and packing.

Those who feel promoting quality at the level of farmer's field is an impossible task should take a look at AMUL- the Dairy taste of India. AMUL out sources its main raw-material (Milk) from small farmers but extends FULL quality control upto their farm level. One possible way for MAP sector would be through the route of contract farming. This would strengthen the base Farmers and ensure supply of standard raw-materials for large processing.

Creating Awareness about Quality is one of the missions of this magazine. Providing information, extending reach of knowledge, promoting partnership (between Government Agencies, Industry & Scientists) are other important parts of our mission. Based on this vision, we have included in this issue, number of articles for improving Quality of cultivation of a few high income medicinal crops. We hope every stake holders in MAP sector will create, promote and spread Quality Mantra in whichever stage they operate. We are sure such a step will enhance the acceptability and credibility of our MAP products. This will in turn improve our domestic market as well as our Global Market.
Lets us all make our India Shine !!

CONTENTS - INSIDE INAUGURAL ISSUE CONTENTS

Special Report
5.    Production Technology For Major Medicinal Plants
Dr. K. Rajamani

Brief Reports
6.    Pepper - A Spice Cum Medicinal Plant.
Dr. M.S. Suseelappan
7.    Medicinal Herbs-An Overview
V. Jagannadha Rao
8.    Nursery Technologies of Medicinal Plants
K.R. Rajadurai, K. Rajamani & E. Vadivel
9.    Promotion of Medicinal Plants
under Wasteland Conditions
P. Paramaguru & S. Velmurugan

Others
10.    Company Profile : AG Bioteck Laboratories (I) Ltd.
11.    Events - Exhibitions in Agri Sector
12.    Market Place
13.    Buyers & Sellers

Keep visiting this page for the next issue.

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