An overview of some important deliberations to promote medicinal plants cultivation

Medicinal plants have regained popularity in recent years as a result of growing trust in traditional medicine, and the worldwide supply of medicinal plants sourced from the wild is resulting in a dwindling natural resource base. It is necessary to pursue a broad trend toward medicinal plant production, as well as vertical integration of commodities by downstream enterprises ensuring them consistent supply of high-quality herbs. The first step towards achieving a successful farming model is suggesting the right crops in the right location. Our major objectives therefore, were to encompass agro-ecological studies permitting identification of potential growing regions of medicinal plants taking into account their climatological characters for successful cultivation using Geographical Information System (GIS). For safe and sustainable medicinal plant production for both growers and consumers, the article included studies pertaining to the historical advents of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in different countries and agro-practices of medicinal plants. Subsequently, this has urged us to document critical alignment approach to comprehend quality of medicinal produce by identifying critical materials and process parameters including phyto-remediation techniques. The Indian state of Punjab was studied to better understand the challenges and opportunities in the medicinal plants sector, as well as to make recommendations based on current knowledge for the establishment and smooth operation of the sector. Before beginning commercial cultivation of medicinal plants, the review indicates that understanding of agro-ecological zoning, GAP, quality target, and agro-economics are required. It also emphasises the importance of more comprehensive legal and policy control in the herbal industry. This article will serve as a guide for farmers and policymakers working in the medicinal plant industry.