Non-destructive Harvesting Practices of Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna), Phyllanthus emblica (Aonla) and Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh)

In recent years the demand of medicinal plants has grown exponentially because of accelerated local, national and international interest, the latter notably from western pharmaceutical industries. Increased market demand resulted in unscientific collection which has put numerous species at the verge of extinction. Non-destructive harvesting is suggested as a way to conserve the medicinal plant resources and provides quality planting material to the pharmaceutical industry. Keeping above into consideration, a study was conducted in Chhattisgarh to develop non-destructive harvesting practices of important medicinal plants. The paper gives an account on non-destructive harvesting practices of Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna: bark), Phyllanthus emblica (Aonla: fruit) and Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh: herb/panchang). This is the first study on development of non-destructive harvesting practices of above species. In Arjuna, ¼ or '/. of the mature bark of total girth of the tree should be stripped by removing only outer and middle bark leaving the inner bark for regeneration. The length of blaze/strip can be upto 1.20 meter depending upon girth of the trees. Aonla fruits should be harvested after maturity and nearly 10-20% fruits should be left for regeneration. Kalmegh plants should be harvested by cut method as it provides quality herb vis-a-vis improves natural regeneration. Developed non-destructive harvesting practices will be helpful in sustainable management and utilization of medicinal plant resources.