Economic Analysis of Herbal Plants in the Hazara Region

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) play a crucial role in supporting livelihoods in the mountainous region of Hazara, where conventional agriculture is limited by terrain and climatic constraints. This study investigates the economic, ecological, and cultural dimensions of MAP use, emphasizing the role of traditional practitioners, including hakeems and pansars, in the collection, processing, and trade of herbal resources. Data from semi-structured interviews revealed five major themes: traditional therapeutic knowledge, economic value variation across species, potential for cultivation, ecological risks, and market mechanisms. Findings suggest that while MAPs provide significant income opportunities, challenges such as overharvesting, weak market linkages, and limited post-harvest processing reduce profitability and threaten ecological sustainability. Integrating systematic cultivation, local value addition, community monitoring, and improved market access can enhance economic returns, empower marginalized groups, and ensure the long-term conservation of medicinal plant biodiversity. These insights provide a foundation for policy interventions and sustainable development strategies in mountain-based herbal economies.

Keywords:     Medicinal plants, aromatic plants, Hazara region, mountain livelihoods, traditional knowledge, sustainable harvesting, cultivation potential, value chain, ecological conservation