Table 4 The characteristics and advantages of organic farming of medicinal plants

Medicinal plants

To produce material in optimal quality and sufficient quantity

To increase growth rate and biomass yield of medicinal plants

To enhance the biosynthesis of efficacious substances

To maintain the genetic diversity of medicinal plants

To protect medicinal plants against pests and disease

Environmental effects

To prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

To promote sustainable use and proper care of production systems

To enhance plant diversity and biotype conservation

To protect wildlife habitats (e.g. micro-organisms, soil fora and fauna)

To enhance soil rich in macro and microelements

To conserve soil properties, fertility, productivity and system stability

To use organic fertilizers and renewable resources to minimize all forms of pollution

Economic prospects

To increase market opportunity

To maintain high market price

To achieve optimal quality and economic returns

To secure economic growth and social stability