Project - 05

2. Description of the Project:

 Funded by UNDP, New Delhi and operated by G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Tarmal, Almora, the project was conducted to study the value chain of medicinal plants of Uttarakhand and Ladakh with focus on Gangotri-Goswand landscape (Uttrakhand), Darma-Beas landscape (Himalayan valley) and Changthang (Ladakh). The main objectives of the project are as follows-

• Study of value chains of medicinal plants of Uttarakhand and Ladakh, focusing on Gangotri-Goswamid landscape (Uttrakhand), Darma-Beas landscape (Himachal Pradesh) and Changthang (Ladakh).

• Quantification and assessment of extraction of high value species (economic and conservation) identified from each landscape.

• Identification of pharmaceutical/medical industries using these identified species and their annual demand.

• Preparation of maps for each species showing end-users, routes and value chain.

The major achievements of the project were as follows –

• Out of the root species, five high value medicinal plants have been identified in the present study, namely, Chora, Jatamansi, Satuva, Kutki and Ksheerakakoli, which are in high demand in the national market, need for large scale cultivation to contribute to the livelihood of the residents and development of local economy in the study area. 

• The study observed successful emergence of Tuti under community-based conservation in villages particularly under Goswand landscape. However, other species were collected from wild sources only. 

• It was also observed that the main part of the majority of the species is root. Inability to harvest whole plants for root had a high impact on survival of these species. Moreover, poor germination capacity of Kutki, Satuva and Ksheerakakoli hindered natural regeneration. 

•  the production and supply of uncultivated crops (50%) during 2017-19. Selection of suitable cultivation areas, organized marketing and better technical support played a vital role. Introduction of a subsidy scheme (75%) under National Ayush Mission by NMPB through HRDI also added fuel to the growth.

• The study highlights high economic profitability (per hectare) of Kutki  under cultivation of 6.75 lakh hectares. The issue of quality along with productivity can be attributed to small land holding, lack of infrastructure, lack of technical knowledge of crop production and management.

• It is observed in the value chain that the main post harvesting activities are carried out by the shopkeepers, who adopt poor methods of washing, sorting, drying and storage due to lack of proper knowledge and facilities. About 10-15% post harvesting losses are observed due to lack of processing facilities and technical knowledge. There is a need to establish Human Service Centres equipped with solar dryers. Due to poor road connectivity, growers are forced to sell the produce to village middlemen, who

• Due to poor road connectivity, producers are forced to sell the produce to village intermediaries, who manage the supply .Furthermore, remoteness and poor road conditions also discourage outsider businessmen from traveling to these areas.

• Where numbers are concerned, there are enough government and private institutions that provide products and industries. We can help in every possible way. However, the study revealed that there are some major bottlenecks at the government level such as lack of institutes, trained staff, laboratory facilities and collaboration among these institutions.

•  The flow of products and information from traders is generally not transparent. Most of the visitors lack market information about price and demand in distant markets, as a result of which they do not get real prices. For these reasons, the growing opportunities for e-commerce for the products have also been limited. The need for scientific monitoring of TP in the state was felt to get real data on trade and volume. Also, there is an urgent need for a simple e-application system for the same.

• Generally, traders do not make any difference in price between cultivated and collected produce. The price is decided by the buyer only. In the case of jute, which takes two-three years to grow, the prices offered in the local market were similar to those of the imported produce. The cost of the gestation period required for cultivation is not included in the price. 

• The study revealed that the two selected species have a single marketing channel within the value chain. In all the channels, the producers, rural middlemen and national traders play a significant role. The price dynamics revealed that the share of collection/display is less than that of middlemen and traders. Considering the structure, operations and sustainability, there should be strengthening from the side of the philanthropists and the pharmaceutical companies should directly enter the chain and work together with the farmers so that they can get maximum economic benefits.

• It is observed that the farmers have established trial cultivation of Satva, Choru and Dolu on a very small scale and in the meantime, the institutions should come forward to start research and development work on their cultivation on a large scale.

• Cultivation of Kutkti should be started on a large scale, it is one of the major species with ABS potential.

3. Location of the Project (State/Region) (Plains/Hills): 

The project was operated in Uttarakhand and Ladakh.

4. Name of Client:

 UNDP, New Delhi and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Habitat, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora

5. Nature of service provided by the applicant: 

The project studied the value chain of medicinal plants of Uttarakhand and Ladakh with focus on Gangotri-Goswand Landscape (Uttarakhand), Darma-Beas Landscape (Pitthoragarh) and Changthang (Ladakh). 6. Term of services offered by the applicant: 1 year

Start date- 01 March 2020

End date- 28 February 2021

7. Other information related to the project:

 Due to the outbreak of Corona, this project could not be operated in Ladakh.

Project Sanction letter