Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods in the Trans-Himalayas through Chamomile Cultivation: A Study on Medicinal Properties and Market Integration

Jigmet Chuskit Angmo; Sonam Chorol; Dalbeer Singh

doi:10.56093/aaz.v65i2.175534

Authors

Jigmet Chuskit Angmo Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India
Sonam Chorol Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India
Dalbeer Singh Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v65i2.175534

Keywords:

Matricaria chamomilla, Ladakh Union Territory, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, sustainable livelihoods

Abstract

This study evaluated the cultivation potential of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) as a high-value medicinal crop in Ladakh's cold desert ecosystem under low-cost polyhouse conditions. Conducted across 19 uniform 1×1 m plots in two polyhouses, the research assessed ecological establishment, agronomic performance, phytochemical quality, and economic viability. Chamomile demonstrated robust establishment with a mean plant density of 80.15 ± 12.4 and 72.8 ± 10.2 plants/plot in Polyhouse 1 and 2, respectively, achieving a mean height of 35.5 ± 4.2 cm and remarkable flower production of 299 ± 25 flowers/plant. Total yields averaged 55.49 gm dry Chamomile per m², with Polyhouse 1 outperforming Polyhouse 2 (744.0 gm vs. 310.3 gm dry weight) due to superior south-facing orientation. Phytochemical analyses revealed pharmaceutical-grade bioactive profiles, i.e., total phenolic content of 5.68 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid content of 3.92 ± 0.21 mg QE/g DW, and strong antioxidant activities (FRAP: 4.41 ± 0.28 mM AAE/100 g DW), positioning Ladakh Chamomile for therapeutic applications. Economic analysis demonstrated exceptional viability with one-time capital investment of Rs. 20,400 for 27.3 m² polyhouse yielding first-year net profit of Rs. 9,897.4 (48.5% ROI). Chamomile cultivation substantially empowered women's self-help groups through direct marketing platforms while maintaining ecological sustainability. This study establishes Chamomile as a transformative crop for livelihood diversification, offering a replicable model for sustainable high-altitude medicinal plant cultivation across the trans-Himalayan region.

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Author Biographies

Jigmet Chuskit Angmo, Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India

Jigmet Chuskit Angmo is a researcher scholar and Ph.D student at G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), Ladakh Regional Centre, Leh-194101, India. Expertise: phytochemical analysis, medicinal plants, ecology, taxonomy.
Sonam Chorol, Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India

Sonam Chorol is Field Coordinator at G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), Ladakh Regional Centre, Leh-194101, India. Expertise in rural livelihoods: mushroom cultivation, tailoring, seabuckthorn/apricot value addition, plant products. Led 39 trainings/11 demos for 909 farmers/SHGs in 51 Ladakh villages. She is Co-PI in three projects.
Dalbeer Singh, Ladakh Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, 194 101, Ladakh, India

Dalbeer Singh currently serves as TA-II at the Ladakh Regional Centre of G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Leh, Ladakh. He holds dual roles as Scientist D and Principal Project NMSHE-TF3, alongside duties as Project Scientist at GBPNIHE HQ, Almora. He earned his Ph.D from the Department of Botany and Microbiology, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand. His expertise encompasses natural resources management, forest ecology, environmental management, long-term biodiversity monitoring and sustainable development. With over 46 publications, including research articles, book chapters, scientific manuals, and popular science writings, Dr. Singh has shaped all 13 District Environment Plans and the State Environment Plan for Uttarakhand. A Life Member of the ISCA, he fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in the Indian Himalayan Region, he is serving as Co-PI in the various projects.

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