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In the field of agriculture and farming, it has been observed that certain plants may have different names in various vernacular or trade languages. This can lead to confusion among farmers, as they may mistakenly grow a plant they believe is required in the trade, only to find out later that it’s not the right one. During our field visits and farmers’ training programs, we have encountered such issues.

Adding to the problem is the fact that even certain technical government departments lack accurate, authenticated knowledge about the identification of specific plant species. As a result, they may advise farmers to grow certain plants without considering all the relevant facts. This lack of proper guidance often leads to disappointment and frustration among farmers when they don’t get the expected price for their crops and feel cheated.

To address this issue and ensure genuine identification of particular medicinal plant species, it is crucial to have both the botanical and vernacular names. Having the botanical identification is essential for accurate species recognition and preventing misidentification.

Unfortunately, some departments or agencies that have little or no knowledge about medicinal plants end up recommending incorrect species for cultivation. This can have serious consequences, and therefore, it is essential for these organizations to verify and ensure the correct species are being recommended for cultivation.

A practical example of such misinformation is seen in the case of Kesar, a high-priced crop suitable for semi-cold desert conditions between 6,000 ft msl to 8,000 ft msl. However, farmers in subtropical/tropical areas are sometimes advised to grow Kesar, which is not suitable for their agroclimatic conditions. Upon verification, it is often found that what they are growing is actually “Kusumbha” (Carthamus tinctorius), a much lower-priced crop compared to the real Kesar (Crocus sativus). Unfortunately, some people mistakenly relate Kusumbha to Saffron, which is the real Kesar, but the two plants are entirely different. Saffron’s source is Crocus sativus, not Carthamus tinctorius.

To address such issues and promote authentic and genuine species, RCFC NR1 regularly releases advisories. The aim is to provide correct information to farmers and put an end to practices that may deceive or mislead them. Government departments and agencies responsible for providing information to farmers are encouraged to seek assistance from RCFC NR1 to avoid disseminating wrong information.

In the interest of farmers and to advance initiatives on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Field Collection Practices (GFCP), it is important to develop species-specific GAP & GFCP for the relevant regions and ensure their proper dissemination. This will not only protect farmers from potential losses but also promote sustainable farming practices and the cultivation of appropriate and profitable crops.

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In collaboration with the Quality Council of India, we embarked on a significant endeavor to promote voluntary certification among farmers residing in the high altitude areas of District Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Our efforts were materialized through an organized training program, attracting the participation of more than 50 farmers, all eager to embrace sustainable practices. The one-day training program was thoughtfully designed, with a primary focus on fostering Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Good Field Collection Practices (GFCPs), and Organic Certification.

  1. While the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) had established general guidelines for adopting GAPs in the cultivation of Medicinal Plants, we recognized the necessity to further elaborate and tailor these guidelines according to specific locations. Our aim was to consider crucial factors such as soil health, local climatic conditions, and the pressing issue of heavy metal contamination.
  2. Addressing the collection of crude drugs from wild resources, the NMPB had issued necessary guidelines; however, we observed that these guidelines were not being effectively adopted by those involved in such activities. Upon interacting with these individuals, it became evident that cooperation from Forest Departments was lacking. Additionally, the process of obtaining permission from the Department to access different forms of crude drugs in the forests proved challenging and hesitantly undertaken by collectors.
  3. With a strong emphasis on the organic way of cultivating Medicinal Plants, we acknowledged the lack of practical measures to monitor diverse field operations, ensuring that the produced crops remained organic in nature. The organic certification process itself posed complexities that called for simplification to render it more farmer-friendly.

Throughout our field visits, during various programs such as project monitoring and farmer training, we observed a commendable initiative by the Punjab Government. Their focus lay in transitioning the cultivation of crops into the organic regime, resulting in a remarkable achievement – obtaining organic certification for the forest land in the Kandi area, nestled within the Shivalik range. To further bolster this movement, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation played a pivotal role by facilitating organic certification for different crops in the state. Their forward-thinking approach included the integration of Bar Coding and Block Chain technology to enhance the credibility and transparency of the certification process.

In conclusion, our collaborative efforts with the Quality Council of India, together with the enthusiastic participation of farmers in the high altitude areas of District Shimla, have set the stage for improved agricultural practices, responsible collection methods, and a stronger focus on organic cultivation. By streamlining processes and fostering greater awareness, we aim to empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices and expand the reach of organic certification throughout the region.

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