Madagascar Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Value - Microlinks

Table 3: Prevalence of Medicinal Plants in Select Countries
Country Plant Species
Medicinal Plant
Species
Percentage with
Medicinal Value
China 26,092 4,941 18.9
Madagascar 13,000 3,500 27.0
India 15,000 3,000 20.0
USA 21,641 2,564 11.8
Thailand 11,625 1,800 15.5
Vietnam 10,500 1,800 17.1
Malaysia 15,500 1,200 7.7
Indonesia 22,500 1,000 4.4
Philippines 8,931 850 9.5
Nepal 6,973 700 10.0
Sri Lanka 3,314 550 16.6
Pakistan 4,950 300 6.1
Average 13,366 1,700 12.7
World 422,000 56,385 13.64
Source: http://www.fao.org : Biodiversity and Ecosystem Approach in Agriculture, Forestry, and
Fisheries; IK Notes 91, World Bank, April, 2006.
Madagascar’s export market is predominately essential oils, which are high in
value and—because concentrated—are relatively inexpensive to transport
(an important consideration for an island nation). Europe is the predominant
destination, buying more than 70 percent of exports. Other destinations
include Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The aromatic and cosmetic
industries have been traditionally the largest buyers.
A major trend favoring traditional aromatic plants, for which Madagascar has
been a long-time supplier, is the worldwide expansion and use of
aromatherapy. Related to this trend is the perfume industry’s search for new
products to “reinvent” traditional lines. This trend also favors Madagascar
because of its diverse flora, permitting producers, processors and exporters
to innovate their product base.
TEXT BOX 1: RAVENSARA
IN AROMATHERAPY
“At the moment, demand for
[Madagascar’s] Ravensara (R.
aromatica/ anisata L) outstrips the
supply and is likely to do so for
some time. It is one of the most
valuable oils in the aromatherapy
repertoire and, supply permitting,
has the potential for becoming a
star such as lavender or tea tree.”
Fragrance Earth, UK (2005)
Growth is noted in natural products and niche markets. These prefer highend
packaging and a “story” about the origin and people involved at the production source. Madagascar is presently
not in a competitive position to respond to the former because it must import all quality bottling and packaging
inputs. However, it can offer an interesting “story” through the national branding effort—“Madagascar Naturally”—
put into place to promote environmentally-oriented tourism.
Products grown and produced according to strict organic regulations command a 15 to 20 percent premium over nonorganically
certified products. While Madagascar exported organic products to Europe and the U.S. for over a decade,
these products were organic by default rather than through practiced organic methods. In more recent years,
requirements for certification of organic production methods have become stringent. Several exporters of AMP
MADAGASCAR AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL PLANT VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS 19