A digital intervention enhancing information exchange and market access of medicinal plants

ABSTRACT: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are very important for the botanical and herbal industry. They are the main ingredients for medicines, health supplements, cosmetics, and natural health products. Besides their health benefits, MAPs also help the economy by producing oleoresins, extracts, and essential oils. The global expansion of the MAP industry has been remarkable, fueled by a growing consumer preference for plant-based products and an increasing focus on preventive and wellness-oriented health care. In India, the sector has shown consistent progress, marked by rising domestic use and significant growth in exports. On the international stage, the market for botanical and plant-derived medicines continues to grow, reflecting sustained demand and a positive growth trajectory for natural health products. To support this growing industry, the Government of India set up the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Ministry of Ayush. This board helps with the conservation, farming, trade, and sustainable use of MAPs. NMPB created e-Channel for Herbs, Aromatic, Raw material, and Knowledge (e-Charak), an online marketplace, to improve transparency, pricing, and information sharing among growers, traders, and buyers of medicinal plants. This paper looks at e-Charak as a novel digital tool that shows how technology can improve value chains, promote sustainable use of India’s medicinal plants, and ensure fair participation of everyone in the herbal industry.