Traditional cereal crop production is uneconomic, and diversification in cropping system is necessary in mountain regions. A pilot project was introduced on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) cultivation with semi-processing and market strategy. Fast growing MAPs with high economic potential were given priority. A cooperative society was organized for quality control and proper marketing. Farmers got additional income with sale of MAPs that could improve socioeconomy. In the depressing scenario of the deteriorating farming condition, emerging experience of MAPs farming give hope for better living standard of mountain peoples. Cultivation of economically viable MAPs can improve socioeconomy of farmers.

Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Valerianaceae) is an important plant used in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, local healthcare and modern medicine industries. The drug produces essential oil (Spikenard oil) on extraction which is the source of variety of medicinal and aromatic products. Drug was collected from natural populations during the month of October. Essential oil was extracted from fresh, room and oven dried samples by using Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed with GC-MS. Comparison revealed variations in the composition of the essential oil. Concentration of most of the active constituents of the essential oil varied with methods of drying applied. Patchouli alcohol showed variation between 40-52% with methods of drying applied. Therefore, N. jatamansi should be dried at low temperature (22-34°C) to minimize deterioration in the composition of the essential oil; that is directly related to medicinal properties.