[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]GERANIUM CULTIVATION PROJECT
(Geranium Farming: A New Perspective in Boosting Economy of Uttarakhand)
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
Uttarakhand is a veritable emporium of medicinal and aromatic plants as it possesses climatic conditions varying from torrid to frigid zones and embraces various tracts of tropical and temperate plains, hills, valleys, irrigated soils, moist climates, cheap labour but yet it has not been able to reach a place of eminence in respect of essential oils as in the case o the medicinal plants. It is not that the people of hills are unaware or do not realize the worth of their soil, climate and biodiversity which had been the talk of the hour at every environment related conference and seminar, but the lack of proper guidance and financial resources makes them to sit tight. The farmers are excited and looking forward to be involved in a systematic farming rather than continuing up with the traditional and not so profitable farming. It is not only going to benefit them but also makes them self-reliant especially the women and the youth who are migrating to the plains in search of employment, which is marked as the soul cause of our economic backwardness.
Rose-scented geranium oil is obtained by the steam distillation of the tender parts of the plants of various species of the Genus Pelargonium, which contains geraniol, citronellol, and rhodinol forms the important constituent of the cosmetics and perfumery thus, demand for geranium oil is increasing with unprecedented rate and is not met with the present supply. Thus, if farmers of hill regions do take up the geranium farming then this is not only going to help them in generating employment opportunities but also the economy could be strengthened. This project is thus planned in uplifting hill economy only if certain problems associated to it are worked out such as processing, packaging and finally marketing and fetching the right price and this all requires a sound financial infrastructure and strategies designed in such a way that are simple and up to the convenience of an ordinary farmer.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
• To utilize the wasteland or so called low yielding arable land to its full extent with this aromatic crop fetching good economic returns.
• To create people’s awareness towards the potential of geranium farming.
• To establish temporary and permanent nursery.
• To develop marketing facilities of the stem cuttings of geranium to other buyers.
• To maintain high yielding variety of geranium throughout the operation.
• To provide on time technical assistance from the concerned expertise.
• To provide employment avenues in cultivation, processing, marketing etc.
• To change the ecology of the area and also boost the socio-economic status of the local people.
COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT
• Introduction of improved sustainable agricultural practices by the arrangement of timely input supply including demonstration to the farmers land
• Growing geranium plants along with other vegetables thus, mixed cropping system is going to provide more benefits and easy returns.
• Establishment of poly house for meeting the timely requirement of propagates and also to protect the plants during the chilling winters.
• Timely selling of the processed material.
• Establishment of the geranium oil extraction plant (GEP) at a decentralized level to process the stems of geranium.
TARGET AREA AND TARGET GROUPS OF THE PROJECT
The target area of the project was five villages of Chamba Block in District Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. Below Poverty Line (BPL) families were the target groups of the project.
FUNDING AGENCY
The Project was funded by the G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED), Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India, Kosi Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand.
COST OF THE PROJECT
The project was sanctioned by GBPIHED during the year 2005. Total cost of the project sanctioned by GBPIHED for two years was Rs. 4,31,000.00[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”829,830,831,832,833,834,835,836,837,838,839,840″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row]