The Digital Database of Medicinal Plants (DiDaMeP) is the second intellectual output of YEAH project. This digital database aims to inform young Turkish and European farmers about plants that are used as raw materials in medicinal drugs.
Specifically, these plants like daisy, hibiscus, mint, and others are in high demand from pharmaceutical companies worldwide and are ideal for aquaponic cultivation. Furthermore, they constitute a great export potential for countries and young farmers alike.
Digital Database of Medicinal Plants (DiDaMeP) Application
This digital database will complement similar digital databases that currently exist in Europe. Nevertheless, this is the first database of its kind that takes into consideration the Turkish flora. The database mainly focuses on the flora of countries that participate in YEAH consortium. Specifically, those countries are Turkey, Slovenia, Netherlands, and Greece.
Their current availability in nature cannot cover the high demand for medical and aromatic plants from pharmaceutical companies. While the need for them is skyrocketing, the number of those plants have dwindled due to overexploitation and pollution. For this reason, YEAH partnership suggests that there is untapped potential for young farmers and aquaponic systems.
DiDaMeP tries to categorize the medicinal and aromatic plants and determine their numbers in nature. Knowing the broader availability of those plants makes it easier for the farmers to know the real value of their product before selling it to pharmaceuticals. Finally, it serves as a guide to potential farmers to determine which plants are best for cultivation based on their geography and climatic conditions.
A few Words about YEAH Project
YEAH is an Erasmus+ project whose aim is to promote aquaponics to young people. There are many opportunities in the agricultural sector that young people need to be aware of, and aquaponics is one.
The partnership of YEAH believes that there is potential in medicinal and aromatic plants and their aquaponic cultivation. To continue, the demand for those plants is high in the global markets, followed by high prices.
This project is essential because it can reduce unemployment in young people, improve their income significantly. Finally, it also contributes to sustainability, as aquaponics is an ecological way of farming.
To explore the Digital Database of Medicinal Plants (DiDaMeP), click here.
To learn more about the objectives of YEAH project, click here.
