About 1000 species of herbaceous plants are of economic importance. Among them, 100 species are of international commercial importance.
1. As food: 80% of human food needs are met by only 20 types of herbaceous plants. 15 species are used as staple food all over the world. Out of these 4 species rice, wheat, bhutra and sugarcane meet 63% of human sugar requirement. Rice is the staple food of 60% of the world’s people. 35% of people’s staple food is wheat or bread.
2. Livestock feed: Thousands of species of grasses are the main food of domestic animals like cow, buffalo, goat, sheep etc.
3. Sugar production: Sugar is produced from sugarcane. Various food items are made from sugar.
4. Aromatic Cosmetics: Aromatic oils and cosmetics are made from lemon grass.
5. Preparation of medicines: 120 types of modern and valuable medicines are made from more than hundred species of plants.
6. As a herb: Durbaghas is used as an herb to stop bleeding and heal wounds.
7. Paper making: Paper is made from bamboo, reeds and sugarcane.
8. Fuel: Roots, stems and leaves of plants are used as fuel.
9. Construction Materials: Bamboo and wood are used as construction materials.
10. Industry: Bread, biscuits, alcohol, vinegar etc. are made from plants.
11. Beautification: Flowering plants are planted in houses, roads and gardens to enhance beauty.
12. Weeds: Weeds grow in cropland causing great damage to crops.