Aromatic, medicinal plans of Moldova represent valuable resource from economic, ecological viewpoints

Chisinau, 22 July /MOLDPRES/ - The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants in ecological system implies the protection of health and the showing of care for the soil, waters, plants, animals and in the end, for the man, through excluding the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, applying the rotation of crops and ways of prevention and development of diseases and pests. A major advantage for the practicing of this sector in the ecological system represents the higher prices and often profits for the farmers.  These crops cultivated in the ecological system in Moldova include such species as lavender, common elder flowers, acacia flowers, etc.     

The cultivation of ecological aromatic and medicinal plants represents an important subject for the Association of Employers, Alliance of the Value Chain in the Ecological Agriculture from Moldova, which organized a string of events dedicated to the promotion of the ecological agriculture, in partnership with the Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).   

Moldova enjoys a string of soil and climate, as well as social advantages, which make it an ideal destination for the development of the ecological agriculture. Among the key aspects, there are the fertile soils, rich in humus and essential nutritive substances for the growing of plants. The soil’s natural fertility reduces or even excludes the need of use of chemical fertilizers, thus facilitating the adoption of ecological practices.     

According to data from the National Report on the biological diversity, Moldova, in 2019, the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants occupied an area of 3.5 thousand hectares. Presently, they occupy an area of under 6,000 hectares. Over 50 farmers producers of aromatic and medicinal plants, including lavender and common sage, which are used on the local market, as well as exported by enterprises from abroad, are recorded in Moldova. Seventeen out of those 26 producers of medicines from Moldova produce phyto-preparations, vegetable products and medicinal plants. A number of 238 out of 1,156 medicines made in Moldova (20.59 per cent) represent phyto-preparations, vegetable products and medicinal plants.          

Among the plants which might be cultivated by producers from Moldova, there are the melissa, oregano, common marjoram, common sage, savory, coriander, mustard, etc.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii