Cultivation Potential of Paeonia Officinalis in Madhya Pradesh: A Medicinal and Floricultural Perspective

Paeonia officinalis, commonly known as the European peony, is a herbaceous flowering plant widely appreciated for its medicinal and ornamental value. Despite its significant therapeutic potential—owing to compounds such as paeoniflorin and flavonoids—and rising global demand, this plant is largely underutilized in Indian agriculture and absent from commercial cultivation in Madhya Pradesh (MP). This research investigates the feasibility of cultivating Paeonia officinalis in MP by analyzing climatic compatibility, soil conditions, and market potential. The study employs secondary data collection on MP’s agro-climatic zones and compares them with the natural habitat of peonies in Europe and the Himalayas. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis identifies the major factors influencing its possible integration into the regional floriculture and herbal medicine sectors. Optional interviews with local botanists and agriculturists further enrich the analysis with practical insights. Preliminary findings suggest that select high-altitude regions of MP—such as Pachmarhi, Betul, Chhindwara, and Dindori—demonstrate promising environmental similarities to peony-growing zones globally. Challenges include limited winter chilling hours, lack of planting material, and knowledge gaps in peony agronomy. However, opportunities exist in tapping into the growing Ayurvedic and floriculture markets and diversifying income sources for tribal and hill farmers. This research highlights a promising avenue for agricultural innovation in MP and calls for pilot cultivation trials and institutional support. With proper adaptation strategies, Paeonia officinalis could become a valuable addition to India's medicinal and ornamental plant portfolio.