Special topography of Uttarakhand endows it with natural potential for the development horticulture. However, for the most part this potential remains untapped. This is unfortunate because the largest consumer market for horticulture products could have been well exploited by the state to the advantage of its farmers. Prosperity of the kind enjoyed by the farmers of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh could also have been enjoyed by the farmers of Uttarakhand instead of the current picture of economic outmigration. Fortunately, even today it is possible to achieve our potential. We know what needs to be done and the basic resources like state nurseries/gardens and central government fundings are adequately available. However, it is necessary for the state government to match its repeated statement that horticulture is a thrust area with adequate budgetary and policy support. This will enable the Department of Horticulture to deliver on its mandate if it is assisted with a favourable policy climate enabling it to employ competent officers, leverage the state gardens with the help of revolving funds and attract additional central government funding.
Horticulture, Uttarakhand, livelihood, development, long term strategy, present status
