White sandalwood farmers in Bhikiyasain, Almora, are reeling under financial distress after the Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) halted procurement amid operational difficulties. The move has left farmers without buyers for their high-value crop, once considered a promising alternative to traditional farming.
Local growers say they invested heavily in sandalwood plantations, expecting steady returns, but the absence of procurement support has caused mounting losses. Farmers have appealed to the state government to intervene and create stable market linkages that could restore confidence in high-value agriculture.
Agriculture experts warn that without immediate action, farmers may abandon sandalwood farming altogether, undermining years of progress in diversifying Uttarakhand’s agrarian economy.
