HARVEST AND POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT FOR ENSURING QUALITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

The instant rising demand of plant-based drugs is unfortunately creating heavy pressure on some selected high-value medicinal plant population in the wild. The safety, quality and efficacy of these products have become a major concern for health authorities and the consumers. Unavailability of proper production technology and suitable area of cultivation, post-harvest processing, market constraints and low economic returns as compared to major cereal crops, are the main problems in cultivation of these herbs and spices. Safe, efficacious and a high-quality product showing batch to batch consistency can be maintained by following harvesting and post harvesting standard guidelines for MAPs (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants).