Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Role of Women

Abstract

The Indian System of Medians, viz Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathic system predominantly use plant baaed raw materials m moat of their preparations and formulations Modem pharmacopoeia also contain at least 25% drugs derived from plants and many other which are synthetic analogues bum on prototype compounds isolated from plants.

India is a country of diverse cultures and rituals. Women have played a vital role in maintaining these virtues. Plants are an integral part of these cultures as they are variously utilised in the rituals. Women take an utmost care for maintaining plant species for this purpose. Agriculture is another sector which is largely dependent on women.

Women plays a significant and crucial role in rural economy. 90% of agricultural activities are organizing by the women in the State, like, agriculture allied fields including the main crop-production, livestock management, post harvest operations and proccessing activities etc. But the women farmers remained as invisible workers.  The socio-economic status of women in Indian agriculture is a matter of widspread concern.

Low production costs and high yielding are encouraging women farmers to go for the cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

Objectives of the study:

1. To study the importance of medicinal plants in the agriculture.
2. To examine the role of women in cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in Indian agricilture.
3. To know the need and importance of conservation of medicinal plants in resource management and in employment generation.
4. To analyse the role of agricultural diversification.

Hypothesis: 

Conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants will ensure the empowerment of women.

Methodology:

The methodology used in this paper with the help of the data from secondary sources.