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The
Himalayan region is rich in herbs and medicinal
plants. The tradition of using these herbs for
many a common ailment has been a household practice
for centuries. Unfortunately, modern medicine
with its ready to use applications has undermined
the use and cultivation of herbs.
Aarohi's pilot initiative started 12 years ago
has been successful in preserving and promoting
indigenous species and introducing other European
varieties suitable for cultivation in the temperate
climate of the Himalayas. Some of these also
make good companion plants for vegetables cultivated
locally by the farmers. |
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Currently
17 varieties are being cultivated organically by small
farmers. The herbs are largely marketed as culinary
herbs, as herb teas and potpourris for fragrance.
By setting a good base price for the herbs and providing
technical inputs for cultivation, storage and harvesting,
Aarohi has slowly been able to demonstrate the viability
of herb cultivation in the hilly terrain of Kumaon.
Its philosophy is to encourage organic herb cultivation
in small patches and to make it as profitable as some
of the other cash crops are labour intensive and demand
chemical inputs.
With the growth of multi-culturalism,
the Indian palate, especially in metros and bigger
cities, has undergone a change and the demand for
herbs is growing.
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This
year the enterprise registered a sale
of Rs 3.07 lakhs. 21 farmers from 7 villages
benefited earning Rs 27,000 for a produce
of 1340 kg of fresh herbs.
Further, a consultancy
contract has been signed with Mukteshwar
Health Resorts Pvt. Ltd., which also
stipulates a buyback arrangement. Work
has been initiated for widespread cultivation
of 10 species of herbs.
Whereas previously
the major problem was quality control
and marketing, the program has reached
a level where it fell short of supplying
the demand! The marked improvement in
quality of processing and the increasing
demand should see a further growth of
this venture in the coming years.
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| Packaging of herbs |
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