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 Singh1

ABSTRACT
Indias north east has been experiencing a comparatively slower pace of industrialisation and socioeconomic 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
1 Department of Appropriate Technology & Entrepreneurship, National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh.

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 km 2
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 Plants
There 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 a succulent plant species that is found only in cultivation, having no
naturally occurring populations, although closely related aloes do occur in northern
Africa. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning
of the first century AD. Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative
medicine industries, 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 agallocha

Emblica officinalis
Gmelina arborea
Oroxylum indicum
Terminalia arjuna
Teminalia bellirica
Teminalia chebula
Bixa orellana
Acorus calamus
Andrographis paniculata
Catheranthus roseus
Costus speciosus
Cymbopogon citratus
Piper mullesua
Piper peepuloides
Rauvolfia serpentina
Withania somnifera
Climbers : Dioscorea floribunda

Gloriosa superba
Piper longum
Piper nigrum
Tinospora cordifolia
High altitude (temperate and Alpine areas) Above 1000 m mean sea level.
Trees : Taxus baccata

Illicium griffithii
Herbs : Aconitum ferox

Aconitum heterophyllum
Coptis teeta
Gymnadaenia orchidis
Panax sikkimensis
Panax pseudoginseng
Panax bipinnatifida
Picrorrhiza kurroa
Podophyllum hexandrum
Valeriana jatamansi
Climbers :Rubia cordifolia

Involvement in manufacturing of Herbal Medicines

The 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 from1. 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
Acorus calamus
Adiantum lunulutum
Asparagus racemosus
Cassia alata
Cassia tora
Sida rhombifolia
Solanum khasianum
Salmalia malabarica
Solanum torvum
Solanum nirgum
Stephania hernandifolia
Tinospora cordifolia
Zizyphus mauritiana
Table. 2: List of

Type of formulation
Respiratory
Respiratory
Tonic,Arth.
Skin ointment
Skin ointment/suspension
Liver tonic
Swas
Stimulant/aphro
Swas
Digest.Liver
Fever,malaria
Liver disorder
Digest,Liver disorder

Medicinal Plants occur in Sub-Tropical zone :

Botanical name
Berberis aristata
Embelia ribes
Hedychium spicatum
Rubia cordifolia
Valeriana hardwickii
Zanthoxylum alatum

Table. 3:

Trade name
Vacha
Hanspadi
Shatavari
Dadmardan
Chakramarda
Bala
Kantakari
Salmili
Brahti
Kakamachi
Rajpatha
Guduchi
Badari

Trade name
Daru Haridra
Vai bidang
Shati
Manjistha
Tagar
Timburu

Type of formulation
Liver dis. Eye tr.
Worm liver dis.
Joint pain
Skin dis. Blood purifier
Cardiac troub.
Eye/digestion

List of Medicinal Plants occur in Alpine zone :

Botanical name
Aconitum heterophyllum
Berginia ciliate

Trade name
Visha
Pashanbheda

Type of formulation
Antipoison
Urinary/liver disorder

Illicium grifithii
Juglans gegia
Polygonatum verticillatum
Rubia cordifolia
Swertia chirayita
Taxus accata
Valeriana hardwickii

Lissi
Aksoda
Meda
Manjistha
Chiraita
Talisa
Tagar

Respiratory disorder
Nutritional diet
Tonic
Skin/blood disorder
Liver disorder/Malaria
Cough/cancer
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)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)

Utilization of wastelands for better economy.

Utilization of unemployed youth in highly productive works.
Enhancement of income.
Providing sufficient raw materials for the medicine manufacturing firms.
Maintaining the balance between ecology and biodiversity.
Development of double cropping system by mixing medicinal plants with other
crops like millet, maize and vegetables.
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
:
racemosus(Shatavari),Cathranthus
kand),Embelia ribes (Vaibidang),
(Pippali), Pipernigrum (Maricha),
Tinospara cordifolia (Guduchi),
(Sarpagandhabheda).

Argyrea
nervosa(Bradh
Daru),
Asparagus
roseus (Sadanpushpi), Dioscorea bulbifera(Varahi
Mucuna pruriens (Atmagupta/Konch), Piper longum
Smilax glabra (Chobchini), S.macrophylla (Chobchini),
Justicea adhatoda (Vasaka), Rauvolfia tetraphylla

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. Unplanned 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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