A rural livelihood initiative in Hawalbagh block of Almora is bringing new hope to local communities by transforming 5.5 hectares of previously abandoned farmland into thriving plots for medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation. The project, supported under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and facilitated by the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), is part of a larger strategy to address rural unemployment and migration from the hill districts.
Sustainable Livelihood Model
Under the programme, farmers are being trained to cultivate high-value medicinal plants such as rosemary, chamomile, bay leaf, lemongrass, and oregano. These crops not only fetch better market prices compared to traditional cereals but also require less water and maintenance, making them ideal for the fragile Himalayan terrain.
Officials estimate that the project will benefit over 400 households in the first phase alone, while creating approximately 15,500 person-days of employment. Local self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s collectives are also being roped in, ensuring that the initiative provides inclusive benefits across the community.
Addressing Out-Migration
Rural migration has long been a concern in Almora and surrounding districts, with younger populations moving to urban areas in search of jobs. By generating income opportunities at the village level, officials hope to stem the outflow. A senior GBPNIHE scientist explained that medicinal plant farming aligns with both livelihood security and environmental sustainability, ensuring that communities can thrive without overexploiting fragile ecosystems.
Linking to Herbal Market and Ayurveda Sector
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project also focuses on building market linkages. Talks are underway with Ayurvedic product companies and herbal medicine manufacturers to source directly from Almora’s growers. With the rising global demand for natural remedies and herbal products, Almora could position itself as a hub for herbal-based entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand.
District officials noted that similar initiatives in other parts of the state—like Pauri and Chamoli—have shown promising results, with farmers earning significantly higher incomes per hectare compared to conventional crops.
Community Voices
Local farmers participating in the initiative expressed cautious optimism. “For years, our land lay fallow because traditional farming was not profitable. If these medicinal plants bring us steady buyers, it will be a game-changer,” said a farmer from Hawalbagh. Women participants highlighted that the initiative would also allow them to balance household responsibilities with income generation, since the crops require comparatively less labour and maintenance.
The Road Ahead
Experts believe that if successful, the Hawalbagh model could be replicated across Almora and other parts of Kumaon, where abandoned farmland is abundant. State officials are already considering extending the scheme to an additional 20 hectares in the next phase, subject to performance reviews.
The project also complements Uttarakhand’s broader “Herbal State” vision, which seeks to promote medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as a means of combining economic growth with ecological conservation.
