Organic Farming in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

R. K. Maikhuri, L. S. Rawat, R. L. Semwal, |K. Sreenivasa Rao, Krishna Gopal Saxena

Abstract


This paper provides an overview of organic agriculture programmes that have been attempted in Uttarakhand state of India.  Much of the rural land in India, especially in Himalaya is fragmented and the problems created by male outmigration coupled with market forces influence the viability of the future farming in the region.  This paper identifies the key problems, their causes and the scope of solutions based on the perceptions of the farmers participating in the organic farming training and development. The present approach of providing subsidy as part of policy though encourages the farmers to take up the programmes, they need to build the capacity to continue the organic farming once the subsidy is withdrawn.  The policy is currently looking at only to export the raw material from the region rather than value addition to increase the shelf life and export potential.  Some potential actions for sustaining the organic farming in the state are suggested.

Keywords


Capacity Building; Locational Advantages; Policy Interventions; Indigenous Innovations; Himalaya; India

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