Developing multidimensional agro-silvi-pastoral-horti-medicinal plants models around urban areas: A lesson from corona pandemic

Abstract

Present research communication suggests the needs of developing a multidimensional agroforestry model considering the native plant species naturally growing in the area. This may serve as long-term solution for combating the situations arisen by the corona virus and alike issues in future. India, like other countries, experienced three waves of COVID-19 and the situation was more alarming at the time of second wave in April-May months of 2021 when oxygen cylinders went short in supply for the patients. The use and importance of plant based medicines for the human immunity is well discussed and established in literature. The availability of raw material for the plant based pharmaceutical industries in the future at the present pace may not be sufficient given the interest and demand for these medicines in different parts of the world. This calls for bringing in more area under plant cultivation, wherever possible in urban and semi urban areas. The suggested approach for introducing the multidimensional agro-silvi-pastoral-horti-medicinal plants in the urban and surrounding area and the similar areas of central India could serve as a basis for others to follow. In addition, the effective use of agroforestry systems can considerably improve soil fertility, biodiversity, aesthetics, aid in carbon sequestration, and serve as one of the recognised tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation.