Investment management in the cultivation of mint for the production of dried plants for medicine

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze investment management through the development of the income and expenditure budget in the mint culture. In this sense, the authors developed the budget for the establishment of the mint plantation until fruiting and on the fruit, which serve as an important source of information for the interested parties in the development of the aromatic and medicinal plants sector and can use the information to receive correct decisions based on economic calculations. Conventional mint cultivation in Moldova offers high economic efficiency, with significant profitability. It provides farmers with a substantial commercial margin for dried plants, contributing to income diversification in rural areas. Mint is used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, with menthol and carvone as key components of its essential oil. Yields of fresh herb are substantial, and drying can be done naturally or artificially. Mint cultivation is largely mechanized, low-cost, and suitable for small and medium-sized farms. The sector holds untapped economic, social, and ecological potential, with organic farming offering higher market prices. Based on the research and analysis carried out, strategic conclusions were formulated for the sustainable development of the mint branch necessary for the implementation by the actors of the value chains in the sector.