[Problems and development recommendations for understory medicinal herb cultivation]

Based on extensive research into the current status of understory medicinal herb cultivation and an in-depth analysis of existing problems, this study proposes policy and technical recommendations to promote sustainable and high-quality development. The research team conducted field investigations in advantageous cultivation regions across seven provinces(autonomous regions), including Guangxi, Yunnan, Fujian, and Jilin, supplemented by policy reviews and literature analysis. The findings reveal that although understory medicinal herb cultivation benefits from ecological advantages and policy support, it still faces a series of problems, such as an underdeveloped service system, insufficient regulatory capacity, low market alignment, and immature technical systems. It should be particularly noted that understory cultivation commonly encounters specific challenges, including the economic dilemma of high input and low output, mismatches between forest canopy density and the light requirements of medicinal plants, ambiguous boundaries between ecological protection and utilization in policy implementation, and weak research support, leading to high trial-and-error costs in technology adoption. The following development recommendations are proposed:(1) establish a coordination mechanism between forestry and traditional Chinese medicine authorities to integrate planning and policy synergy;(2) enhance the alignment of understory medicinal herb cultivation with market demand;(3) develop an independent technical system and standards for understory medicinal herb cultivation, such as establishing a variety suitability framework based on canopy density classification and ecological cultivation protocols;(4) strengthen research focused on industrial development, with priority given to large-scale plantations(e.g., pine and fir forests), dual-purpose food-medicine species(Polygonatum, Gastrodia elata), vine species, and intercropping effects;(5) establish a quality certification system and corresponding regulatory framework for understory-cultivated medicinal materials to promote premium pricing;(6) improve land-use policies and supporting infrastructure, clarifying utilization rights for different forest types and simplifying approval procedures for temporary facilities.