Advancing PostHarvest Management in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Industry

A recent review explores emerging technological solutions to improve post-harvest management in the rapidly growing medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) industry, which plays a crucial role in healthcare, cosmetics, and other sectors. With the global demand for MAPs increasing, inconsistencies in cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest practices are contributing to significant product losses, estimated at 15-20%. These losses not only affect market supply but also compromise the quality and efficacy of final products.

The review highlights advanced technologies that can help preserve the quality and potency of MAPs. Innovations such as electronic nose technology, near-infrared spectroscopy, artificial neural networks, and nanotechnology show promise in minimizing post-harvest losses. These technologies can aid in detecting impurities, enhancing drying processes, and improving the longevity and stability of herbal products.

Despite their potential, these technologies remain in early stages, and further research is needed to assess their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The review calls for more research to scale up these solutions, adapt them to different MAP species, and address challenges faced by small-scale producers. Collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers is key to developing sustainable post-harvest practices.

By advancing technological solutions and improving post-harvest practices, the MAP industry can meet global demand while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

Source

Thakur, A., Thakur, B., & Kumar, R. (2025). Post-harvest management of medicinal and aromatic plants: Current trends and recent advances. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2025.2461495
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