High-Value Crops and Marketing: Strategic Options for Development in Uttarakhand

Focusing on issues of high-value agriculture in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, this economic study analyzes five value-chains: off-seasonal vegetables (tomato), temperate fruits (apple), vegetables (potato), organic crops, and herbal plants. Using detailed graphs, charts, statistics, and images, this study focuses on the presence of a high number of endemic crops, diversity in agro-climatic conditions, possibilities to produce for off-season markets, organic production practices, the relative high education of producers, a strong agricultural research capacity, and an active civil society. The challenges that limit the competitiveness of its farmers with farmers in other Indian states and outside of India are also addressed. Written for agricultural professionals, economists, and researchers, this record offers advice on how Uttarakhand can better prepare itself to take advantage of the changing agricultural marketing environment.