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Uttarakhand Seeks to Stem Migration Through Rudraksh Farming
Developing
In Short: The state government plans to promote Rudraksh cultivation to create new income sources and reduce migration.
The Uttarakhand government is exploring Rudraksh farming as a solution to stem migration from its hill districts, according to The Indian Express. The state, known as Dev Bhoomi, aims to leverage the spiritual significance of Rudraksh, a seed used in prayer beads, to create new income sources.
The government has directed its Horticulture Department to develop a formal cultivation policy for Rudraksh. The idea is based on a 197-page technical report and a presentation titled 'Strategic Introduction of Rudraksha Cultivation in Uttarakhand', which was presented to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in July.
The report highlights that large-scale commercial production of Rudraksh is currently dominated by Nepal and Indonesia. However, Uttarakhand, with its similar soil and climate conditions to Nepal’s growing regions, has not yet captured any share of this trade.
According to the report, soil analysis indicates that Uttarakhand soils are largely suitable for Rudraksh cultivation and comparable to Nepalese growing regions. This makes the state a potential competitor in the Rudraksh market.
Uttarakhand’s hill districts have been experiencing significant migration to cities like Dehradun and Delhi. The state’s migration commission attributes this trend to a lack of viable agricultural income, crop damage from wildlife, and fragmented landholdings.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- The Indian Expresslink