Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has taken a decisive and forward-looking step to revive its network of Rajkiya Udyan (state government gardens and nurseries). With a total of 97 such gardens across the state, a detailed action plan is being prepared to transform them into modern model centers. These facilities will not only enhance productivity but also serve as dedicated training hubs for farmers and major attractions for medicinal tourism (herbal and AYUSH-based tourism).

According to Vandana Singh, Director General of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, the revival initiative focuses on making these gardens centers of excellence in productivity enhancement, farmer empowerment, and tourism integration. This move is expected to inject fresh energy into Uttarakhand’s horticulture, agriculture, and tourism sectors, leveraging the state’s natural advantages.

Rich Natural Potential and Historical Role

Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain and diverse climate offer immense opportunities for cultivating high-value fruits, vegetables, and medicinal-aromatic plants. The state is naturally suited for crops like apples, peaches, pears, kiwi, walnuts, and herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, jatamansi, and others.

Established decades ago, these Rajkiya Udyan were once renowned for identifying, conserving, and producing medicinal plants. They served as key sources of high-quality planting material, which was prepared and distributed to farmers, supporting widespread horticulture development in the hills.

Over time, however, most of these gardens fell into neglect. Outdated techniques, inadequate maintenance, shortages of manpower, and the effects of climate change led to declining productivity. Many plantations dried up, infrastructure deteriorated, and the gardens were reduced to mere nominal existence. Recent departmental reviews highlighted the urgent need for revival to strengthen the state’s horticulture economy.

Revival Plan

The comprehensive strategy being finalized by the Horticulture Department includes the following core components:

1. Modernization and Productivity Boost :Traditional low-yield methods will be replaced with intensive horticulture practices, including high-density planting, drip irrigation, mulching, integrated pest and nutrient management, and organic farming. Advanced technologies such as tissue culture, protected cultivation (greenhouses/polyhouses), and climate-resilient varieties will be adopted to significantly increase output and quality.
2. Farmer Training Centers: Major gardens will be developed as dedicated training hubs. Farmers will receive practical instruction in advanced seed production, planting techniques, crop management, pest and disease control, and market linkages. This is anticipated to create employment opportunities for rural youth and spark greater interest in horticulture among the younger generation.
3. Promotion of Medicinal Tourism: Uttarakhand already leads in AYUSH and wellness tourism. The revived gardens will be made tourist-friendly, allowing visitors to explore the intricacies of medicinal plants, observe climate-adapted fruit orchards, participate in herbal walks, yoga sessions, and purchase herbal products. Select gardens will be upgraded into Centers of Excellence specializing in medicinal plants or specific fruit crops.
4. Tourist Infrastructure and Job Creation: Facilities such as walking paths, rest areas, interpretation centers, cafeterias, and parking will be added. This will generate local employment in roles like guides, homestay operators, product sellers, and caretakers, benefiting rural communities.

The Kumaon region has a significant concentration of these gardens, playing a key role in plan implementation:

• Almora: 11
• Nainital: 10
• Pithoragarh: 10
• Bageshwar: 6
• Champawat: 6
• Udham Singh Nagar: 5

Notable examples include the famous Chaubattia Garden in Almora, which has already emerged as a horti-tourism spot with apple orchards and visitor amenities.

Broader Impact and Significance

This initiative will strengthen three pillars of Uttarakhand’s economy: horticulture, tourism, and rural employment. With millions of farmers engaged in horticulture, revived gardens will ensure better availability of quality planting material, leading to higher production. The boost to medicinal tourism will attract more visitors already drawn to the state for yoga, Ayurveda, and herbal therapies.

Experts emphasize that such schemes are essential for Himalayan regions amid climate change. The plan aligns with national agricultural programs and the state’s herbal park initiatives. It is set to be finalized shortly and rolled out in phases.

Ultimately, this effort will breathe new life into aging gardens while positioning Uttarakhand as a national model for herbal and horti-tourism. The government’s goal is to double farmers’ incomes through these gardens and build a stronger, more self-reliant rural economy.