Role of Agribusiness in Sustainable Rural Livelihood

The people of the Himalayan region practice subsistence agriculture, the output of which is insufficient to sustain livelihoods. However, the agro-climate and landscape support the production of high-yield cash crops, primarily fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Due to a lack of cold storage and proper market facilities, marginal farmers are unable to cultivate them. Instead, they resort to cultivating traditional subsistence crops, leading to food insecurity among them. This study examines the role of agribusiness in sustainable rural livelihoods in the Himalaya. To conduct this study, both primary and secondary data were gathered. Primary data were collected through a case study of 12 villages in the Almora district, Kumaon Himalaya. A total of 170 households from 13 revenue villages engaged in agribusiness were surveyed. Secondary data were collected from the state statistical diary in Dehradun. The study depicts that the number of farmers engaged in agribusiness is lower; however, their income is higher compared to those practicing traditional agriculture. It suggests that if sufficient cold storage and adequate market facilities are provided to farmers, agribusiness can play an important role in sustainable rural livelihoods.