Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume 6 | Issue 2
ICT Intervention for Marketing of Medicinal Plants by using E-Charak Apps and Price Analysis Method
DOI:10.30954/2454-4132.2.2020.4
Abstract:
Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are botanical raw materials, also known as herbal drugs that are primarily used for therapeutic, aromatic and/or culinary purposes as components of cosmetics, medicinal products, health foods and other natural health products. They are also the starting materials for valueadded processed natural ingredients such as essential oils, dry and liquid extracts and oleoresins. There is a clear industrial demand for MAPs. The global market for botanical and plant-derived drugs is therefore expected to increase from $19.5 billion in 2008 to $32.9 billion in 2013, an annual growth rate of 11.0%, according to a 2009 study by BCC Research. National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) is working to promote cultivation of medicinal plants and supported in a Mission mode under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP)” since 2008-09 and now continuing under National AYUSH Mission (NAM), a flagship program launched by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
during XII Plan period. The program is being implemented in the country through State Government designated agencies. Smartphone mobile apps in agriculture as a ICT tool of intervention in agriculture is becoming increasingly popular. Smartphone penetration enhances the multi-dimensional positive impact on sustainable poverty reduction and identifies accessibility as the main challenge in harnessing the full potential in agricultural space. The reach of smart phone even in rural areas extended the ICT services beyond simple voice or text messages. Several smart phone apps are available for agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and farm machinery. Similarly, National Medicinal Plant Board, New Delhi (India) has launched an online virtual platform www.e-charak.in and a mobile application e-charak apps to provide an online market portal for the trade of medicinal plants and their produce.
Print This Article Email This Article to Your Friend