Bioprospecting of medicinal plants in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: Linking conservation with livelihood

Six species of medicinal and aromatic plants, viz. Allium stracheyi, Allium humile, Allium rubellum, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Carum carvi and Angelica glauca having high economic value were selected for bioprospecting and brought under cultivation from wild in the high altitude villages of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand. The edible parts of selected species were analysed for nutritional value to evaluate their potential for promoting large scale consumption and cultivation. Among the selected species, macronutrients were found maximum for Allium stracheyi, i. e. carbohydrates (98.34 mg/g), proteins (187.11 mg/g), vitamin C (156.50 mg/g), vitamin B2 (26.12 mcg/gm), vitamin E (61.10 mg/g) and phosphorus (14.13 mg/g) followed by Allium rubellum and Allium humile. The results of nutritional value, cultivation practices and technique of value addition were demonstrated to rural inhabitants through on-site training and capacity building programmes to enhance their skill and awareness about the potential of selected species for livelihood options. The cost-benefit analysis of cultivation and collection from wild, and value addition of herbal spices were done to see if the species were feasible for developing local entrepreneurs. These efforts enhance the ability and knowledge of local inhabitants for cultivation and value addition of medicinal herbal spices in the region. The overall impacts of the work were seen as an improvement in socio-economic conditions of residing community and awareness for medicinal plant conservation in their natural habitat.