The Medicinal Plants of

Kashmir Valley and their

economic contribution for
India
The Kashmir Valley, with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to a variety
of medicinal plants that have been treasured for centuries. These plants hold a special place
in the hearts of local communities and traditional healers, who have relied on their healing
properties for generations. Let’s explore some of these remarkable plants, their uses, and
the benefits they offer.

1. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

 Common Name: Ashwagandha

 Family: Solanaceae
 Parts Used: Roots and Leaves
 Medicinal Values: Often called Indian ginseng or winter cherry, Ashwagandha is
renowned for its ability to help the body adapt to stress. It’s an adaptogen that
enhances stamina, boosts energy levels, and supports overall vitality. People use it to
manage anxiety, improve mood, and even sharpen cognitive function.

2. Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)

 Common Name: Marshmallow

 Family: Malvaceae
 Parts Used: Roots and Leaves
 Medicinal Values: Marshmallow is a gentle, soothing herb. Its root and leaves are
often used to calm sore throats and digestive issues due to their anti-inflammatory
properties. The plant’s mucilage helps protect the stomach lining and alleviate
irritation, making it a go-to remedy for many seeking reliefs from discomfort.

3. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Salam Panja)

 Common Name: Salam Panja

 Family: Orchidaceae
 Parts Used: Tuber
  Medicinal Values: This unique orchid is prized for its tubers, known for boosting
strength and vitality. Traditionally, Salam Panja is thought to enhance athletic
performance and is also associated with helping various menstrual disorders, making
it a valuable addition to local healing practices.

4. Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn)

 Common Name: Hawthorn

 Family: Rosaceae
 Parts Used: Berries and Leaves
 Medicinal Values: Hawthorn is like a friend to your heart! Its berries and leaves are
commonly used to support cardiovascular health, enhancing heart function and
improving circulation. It’s cherished by many for its ability to help regulate blood
pressure, making it a staple in heart health.

5. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)

 Common Name: Dandelion

 Family: Asteraceae
 Parts Used: Roots, Leaves, and Flowers
 Medicinal Values: Often overlooked as just another backyard weed, Dandelion is a
powerhouse of health benefits! Its roots, leaves, and flowers are used as a natural
diuretic and help detoxify the liver. With its ability to aid digestion and even treat
skin disorders, Dandelion is truly a versatile herb.

6. Morchella esculenta (Morel Mushroom)

 Common Name: Morel Mushroom

 Family: Morchellaceae
 Parts Used: Fruiting body
 Medicinal Values: Morels are not just a delicious addition to your plate; they also
pack a nutritional punch! Rich in antioxidants, these mushrooms have anti-
inflammatory properties and are believed to support immune function, making them
a delightful and healthful choice.

7. Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

 Common Name: Ginger

 Family: Zingiberaceae
 Parts Used: Rhizome
 Medicinal Values: Most of us know ginger as a spice, but it’s also a natural remedy.
With its rhizomes known for their ability to ease nausea and aid digestion, ginger
also boasts anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether enjoyed in a tea or a dish, it has
become a beloved staple in many households.

1. Percentage of distribution of medicinal plants

P ercentage
Solanaceae Malvaceae Orchidaceae Rosaceae
Asteraceae Morchellaceae Zingiberaceae

5% 15% 20%

10% 15%

25%
10%

2. Common Uses of medicinal plants

P ercentage
Cardiovascular Health Digestive Aid
Stress Relief Anti-inflammatory
Skin Disorders

10%

25%
15%

20%
30%

3. Percentage of parts used in medicinal plants

 percentage
Roots Leaves
Fruits/Berries Tuber/Rhizomes

15%

40%
20%

25%

Contribution of Kashmir's Medicinal Plants

Economy and Development

Introduction

Kashmir, fondly known as "Paradise on Earth," is not just famous for its stunning landscapes
but also holds a treasure trove of rich biodiversity, especially in medicinal plants. The
region's unique climate and varied geography have created a perfect environment for an
array of medicinal plants that have been valued for centuries in traditional systems of
medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Unani. These plants are more than just flora; they play
a crucial role in the local economy, providing numerous livelihoods for communities and
contributing to the overall development of the region.

Economic Contribution

1. Employment Generation: The collection, processing, and sale of medicinal plants

generate significant employment opportunities for local inhabitants. It’s estimated
that around 11 million people across India are directly or indirectly involved in the
collection and trade of medicinal plants, with a substantial portion of this activity
taking place in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Export Potential: Kashmir’s medicinal plants enjoy a strong demand in both
domestic and international markets. The region is renowned for its unique herbal
products, such as saffron, which is not only celebrated for its culinary uses but also
prized for its medicinal properties. In 2021, the export value of saffron alone was
 approximately30million, highlightingitsimportanceforthelocaleconomy.
ThetotalmarketformedicinalplantsinIndiaisprojectedtoreach30million,highlightingitsi
mportancforthelocaleconomy.ThetotalmarketformedicinalplantsinIndiaisprojectedto
reach5 billion by 2023, with Kashmir being an essential player in this booming sector.
3. Cultivation and Harvesting: Alongside traditional harvesting practices, organized
cultivation of medicinal plants is on the rise. The Jammu and Kashmir government
actively supports the cultivation of these plants through various schemes. As of
2022, about 20,000 hectares of land were dedicated to cultivating economically
significant medicinal plants, showcasing a positive trend toward sustainable
practices.
4. Role in Sustainable Development: The sustainable harvesting and cultivation of
medicinal plants contribute not only to the economy but also to ecological balance
and biodiversity conservation. By adopting sustainable methodologies, communities
can benefit economically while protecting their environment for future generations.
 Export value of key medicinal plants in J&K

Value(in million dollar)

Value(in million dollar)

40
35
30

1 2 3

 Area Under cultivation in J&K

 Area(in hectares)
Area(in hectares)

20,000
18,000
15,000

1 2 3

Challenges and Opportunities

While there is immense potential in Kashmir's medicinal plants, several challenges need to
be addressed:

 Overexploitation: Many native species are at risk due to overharvesting. Intense

collection for unregulated markets can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten the
survival of these valuable plants.
 Lack of Awareness: There is often a general lack of awareness about sustainable
harvesting practices among local collectors, which can lead to unsustainable
exploitation.
 Climate Change: Changing climate patterns can adversely affect the native
biodiversity of medicinal plants, having a ripple effect on both their availability and
the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
However, there is a silver lining. The government has launched various initiatives and
policies designed to promote sustainable practices and bring together research efforts to
support medicinal plant cultivation. Collaborations with research institutions and the
integration of modern agricultural techniques could enhance productivity and sustainability
in this vital sector.

Reforms
E-Charak: Empowering Medicinal Plant Farmers in Kashmir

Mohamad Shaban Bhat, a farmer in Central Kashmir, faced challenges selling his medicinal
plants until he learned about the e-Charak mobile app and web portal, developed by the
National Medicinal Plants Board and Ministry of AYUSH. With his son’s help, he successfully
sold his entire stock online within a month.

The e-Charak platform facilitates communication among stakeholders in the medicinal plant
sector, providing market prices and supporting local languages. The Jammu and Kashmir
government is promoting medicinal plant cultivation through nurseries and training
programs. The online portal enhances trade by allowing farmers to display their products,
while buyers can access fixed prices, streamlining the sales process. This initiative aligns
with the Digital India Programmed and aims to boost the region’s economy through
increased demand for medicinal plants.