Dr. Rajesh Kumar Arya

Mailing Address

Medicinal, Aromatic and Potential Crops Section, Deptt. of Genetics & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, CCS HAU, Hisar-125 004

Phone No : 01662255403

Email Id :map@hau.ac.in

Research work on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants was initiated at CCS HAU, Hisar during 1979-80 under State funded scheme which is still continued. Thereafter, project of ICAR on Isabgol and AICRP on M&APs was initiated in 1982 and 1993, respectively. A large number of plant species of medicinal and aromatic values were introduced from different parts of the State and Country from time-to-time and tested for their adaptability for the yield of their end products of economic importance i.e. roots, seeds, leaves, herb yield and oil etc.

Haryana though a small state but has different agroclimatic zones with various micro-climatic conditions. The area under medicinal and aromatic plants is 2500 ha out of the total 37 lakh ha cultivable area. The government is planning to bring about 25,000 ha area under medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation in the coming years. The emerging threat of rice-wheat rotation, frequent failure of cotton crop and lowering down of water table to the critical depth (750 ft.) in the South-West Haryana has necessitated the shift of  presently followed cropping system through diversification by horticultural/vegetable/ medicinal and aromatic crops. 

Among the medicinal Plants: The crops which have been identified having the potential through various experimentation in the Haryana State are; Mulhatti, Kalmegh, Periwinkle, Guar Patha, Isabgol, Satawar and newly introduced Stevia. Mulhatti crop is exotic in nature and India is one of the major importer of dry stolons. The annual requirement is 10,000 tonnes and this is one of the major component for making cough syrup by various pharmacies. After semi-processing of mulhattistolons, we then export it in various product forms. Isabgol is taken up in the small pocket of Sohna, Tauru and Mewat area of South-West Haryana. India is one of the major exporter of the Isabgol husk and this crop is being mainly cultivated in the Gujarat state and in some part of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states. Kalmegh is one of the short duration crop which can be fitted in the Kharifseason of Northern India, used as bitter tonic and for making drugs for fever Periwinkle is mainly cultivated in T.N. state but it has potential in Haryana State also. This is mainly used for making anticancer, antidiabetic and hypotensive drugs. Both Guar Patha and Satawar crops have yield potential upto 500-600 q/ha but there is need of processing plants for primary processing/drying of these crops. About one million population in Haryana state is suffering from diabetes and Stevia crop which does not require much aftercare harvesting and processing operation can be the answer for these people to meet the sweetening requirement. Ashwagandha crop can also be taken up in the marginal and sub-marginal area of the state which is mainly used in tonic, anemia, C.N.S stimulant, epilepsy and antitumour preparations.

In Aromatic Plants: Lemongrass, Citronella, Palmarosa, Ocimumsps. Menthasps. & Rose are the major essential oil yielding crops which are mainly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and perfumery industries. There aromatic crops can be introduced and studied for various aspects in the Haryana state.

In addition to above crops, the cultivation of Sarapgandha and various climbers Kawanch, Gurmar, Giloe, Dioscorea and Bach in the water logged areas can also be taken up as future priority crops.

In Medicinal Plants:

1.Mulhati (Glycyrrhizaglabra)

2.Satawar (Asparagus racemosus)

1.   Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera)

4.Guar patha (Aloe barbadensis)

5.Isabgol (Plantago ovata)

6.Safed musli (Chlorophytumborivilianum)

7.Kalmegh (Andrographispaniculata)

8.Asalio (Lepidiumsativum L.)

9.Periwinkle/ Sadabahar (Catharanthusroseus)

10.Senna (Senna alexandrina)

In Aromatic Plants:

1.Lemongrass (Cymbopogonflexuosus)

2.Palmarosa (Cymbopogonmartinii)

3.Citronella grass (Cymbopogonwinterianus)

4.Tulsi (Ocimumspecies)

5.Khas/Vetiver (Vetiveriazizanioides)

In addition to above crops, the cultivation of Sarapgandha and various climbers viz., Kawanch, Gurmar, Giloe, Dioscorea and Buch in the water logged areas can also be taken up as future priority crops.

Last Updated :-Tue, Oct 17 2023