Factors Affecting Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Rampur Block of District Shimla in Himachal Pradesh

The study examined the various factors affecting cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Rampur block of district Shimla in Himachal Pradesh by surveying of 213 farmers (61 female and 152 male) in January, 2010. The findings revealed that a total 10 factors were perceived by the farmers which pose hindrance in the cultivation of MAPs in the area. These factors were ranked as: Lack of awareness about medicinal and aromatic plants, lack of knowledge about cultivation practices, lack of marketing awareness, non availability of local market, subsidy culture, lack of training and visit programme, lack of demonstration of modern technologies, lack of value addition knowledge and facilities, no storage facilities, migration of people to urban areas for wages. Therefore it is recommended that the policies and programmes emphasis on these factors will gear up the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in these areas.