ROLE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN RURAL SOCIETY OF INDIA

There is a famous saying in Upanishads called SARVESANTU NIRAMAYA means may no one suffers from illness. Medical plants can prevent and cure many diseases and also boosts immunity which is very essential in COVID era. Indian farmers are suffering from poverty, debt traps, health and nutritional issues. Rural farmers by growing medical plants can promote health and nutrition status of the entire population as well as their own socio economic and health status. In this paper we have discussed what are medical plants, how they aid rural India, their spillover effects to entire population problems, solutions, best practices for their cultivation. By tapping the potential of medical plants in rural India, we can make our county ATMANIRBHAR and self-sufficient villages that can realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.