Designing a Model for Developing Medicinal Plants Cultivation in Mazandaran Province Drylands of Iran

Introduction Medicinal plants, as a group of plants originating from natural resources and possessing therapeutic properties, play a remarkable role in health, employment, and economic development of the human being. The cultivation of medicinal plants has garnered significant attention in recent years in the Mazandaran Province, particularly in rain-fed farmlands. These cultivations could generate considerable added value within the sustainable agriculture framework, increase farmers' income, and, as a result, mitigate rural-to-urban migration. Nevertheless, despite efforts to develop these cultivations, various challenges still exist in their sustainable development pathway.   Materials and Methods This study aimed to identify the development pattern of medicinal plant' cultivation in the rain-fed farmlands of Mazandaran Province. To do so, the grounded theory was employed for data analysis. The study population comprised 16 experts, specialists, and pioneering farmers who were actively working in the medicinal plants' field of Mazandaran province and were selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDAV24.4.1 software. A three-stage conventional content analysis process, including open, axial, and selective coding, was utilized to recognize the relationships between components and factors that influenced the development of these cultivations. According to the findings, five main components influencing the development of medicinal plant cultivation were detected in the rain-fed farmlands of Mazandaran Province.   Results and Discussion The first and most important detected component was "the causal conditions' component", which included the following subcategories: the role of medicinal plants’ cultivation in employment, added value, the improvement of agricultural economics in the rain-fed farmlands, production management and expansion of processing companies active in the medicinal plants’ value chain, and finally focusing on cultivation of sustainable, industrial, and high-demand medicinal species. Farmers require accurate information and technical support for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, which should be provided by governmental and private institutions. The second obtained component was named the contextual conditions' component", which was primarily attributed to the following subcategories: market challenges, ecological and environmental capacities of the rain-fed farmlands used for medicinal plants' cultivation, climatic capacities, suitable lands of the province, and weaknesses in processing and supplementary industries. Mazandaran Province has extraordinary potential for cultivating various medicinal plants because of its climatic diversity and suitable soils. Furthermore, noticeable market opportunities for medicinal plants, especially in the pharmaceutical and food industries, would motivate farmers to grow larger amounts of them on their farms. The third component was called "intervening conditions, which was predominantly attributed to the following subcategories: selecting compatible plant species with the region's ecosystem, the necessity of farmers' financial and institutional support, difficulties in trading medicinal plants, and eventually structural and planning challenges. The lack of advanced processing industries and weaknesses in the marketing of medicinal plants are among the distinguished bottlenecks preventing farmers from exploiting these plants. The fourth component was determined as the strategies' component", which included the following subcategories: empowering farmers, education and extension of sustainable cultivation, utilizing mechanization in agriculture, providing financial facilities, supporting farmers through guaranteed purchases, and modelling and showcasing medicinal plant cultivation in the model sites and pilot projects. The use of modern agricultural techniques and continuous training of farmers can reinforce the cultivation of medicinal plants. Furthermore, financial support and improved access to financial resources, particularly for small- and medium-sized farmers, are indispensable. The fifth component was identified as "the consequences' component", which referred to the following subcategories: improving sustainable employment, utilizing specialized human resources, and developing the economic situation of rural communities. Developing medicinal plant cultivation could lead to employment generation in various sectors, including the production, processing, and marketing of medicinal plants, and could improve farmers' livelihoods and reduce their migration rates.   Conclusion Based on these findings, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is necessary for the sustainable development of medicinal plant cultivation in the rain-fed farmlands of Mazandaran Province. In addition, strengthening infrastructure and processing industries, financial support, and required facilities should be considered by both the government and private sectors. Developing stable markets through guaranteed purchases and establishing strong supply chains can effectively reduce production risks. Education and extension of sustainable agriculture, and adoption of modern technologies are also crucial factors that are compulsory for the success of these cultivations. Ultimately, considering the favorable ecological conditions and existing potential of Mazandaran Province, the development of medicinal plant cultivation can be regarded as a suitable solution for the economic and social development of this province.