Can the Ayurvedic pippali plant (Piper longum L.) be a good option for livelihood and socio-economic development for Indian farmers?
Padma Raj Gajurel, Soyala Kashung, Sisibaying Nopi, Robert Panmei, Binay Kumar Singh
Abstract
The pippali of Ayurveda botanically known as Piper longum L. is one of the economically valued plants, the fruits and roots of which are used widely in the preparation of traditional herbal medicines as well as in various modern drugs. The Ayurvedic medicine system has been heavily dependent on its use since time immemorial. Dried or powdered forms of the fruits and roots are sold at Rs 350 to 3000 per kg, at the national and international markets. Supply of the raw materials is still dependent on the wild source as the existing cultivation and management practices are not adequate to fulfill the demand. If utilized, it may become one of the most important components of agroforestry systems in the tropical and subtropical warm humid climate of the country that may generate up to approximately Rs 130,000 as an additional income to the farmers.