IIT Mandi
Processing Units

Strengthening Livelihood Opportunities in Kamand with IIT Mandi

12

Processing Units

2,000

Saplings

500

Farmers

1

High Tech Polyhouse
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Introduction

In the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, farmers possess strong traditional knowledge for yielding high quality produce. However, given the climatic conditions and geographical challenges, organised processing facilities, quality planting material and market linkages are very essential. This absence adds to difficulties for farmers in terms of value, income, and managing post-harvest loss.

IIT-Mandi, under its Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK) Initiative, has been supporting walnut and apricot value chain for women farmers in the valleys. ICICI Foundation and IIT Mandi came together under this initiative to strengthen rural livelihood opportunities for farmers in Kamand, Kataula and Katindhi valleys.

Our Intervention

The initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities by combining scientific horticulture practices, value addition and women-led entrepreneurship. A host of activities were undertaken as part of this. It included distribution and plantation support of walnut saplings, establishment of high tech polyhouse nursery for scientific propagation and grafting of saplings and training programs for capacity building.

In addition, we set up processing units equipped with washing, drying, peeling, grading and packaging systems, walnut and apricot oil extraction facilities and support for packing, branding and market linkage for value addition. Along with capacity building of SHGs, these interventions provide a holistic value chain approach, strengthening their livelihood and development.

Impact

By integrating plantation support, processing infrastructure, and community-led entrepreneurship, the initiative has laid the foundation for transforming the region into a recognised hub for walnut production and value addition in Himachal Pradesh.

The 12 processing units facilitates value addition of apricot and walnut, along with market linkages to sell the products. More than 500 farmers have been supported with saplings and the one polyhouse allows better plant growth. The initiative has contributed to building a stronger and more sustainable horticulture-based rural economy in the region.