Almora District
Almora District
Almora District
INTRODUCTION
1
1.2 Population
According to the census 2011 the district has a population of 6,22,506 with a population
density of 198 persons per Sq.Km. The district has 89% of its population living in rural areas. The
average birth rate and the death rate is 15.80% and 6% respectively for the year 2016-17. The
district has 1,40,577 households accounting for 6.83% of the total households in the state. The
decadal population growth for the district during 2001-2011 has been negative i.e. -1.64%.
There has been a continuous declining trend in population over the past censuses. From
1981 to 1991 the population growth percentage was 8.94%, which reduced to 3.67% for the census
year 2001 and ultimately reached -1.64% in 2011. Further, in 1981 the number total households
were 1,12,528; in 1991 it was 1,23,618; and for 2001 there were 1,31,525 households in the district.
2
1.4 Topography
The topography of the district ranges from 750m to more than 2000m above the mean sea
level. It has been classified into two regions viz. the Hill region and the Valley region. The Hill
region constitutes the high mountains of Dotiyal (Manila), Malikhaet (Syalde), Bhonkhal (Sult),
Chaubatiya, Binsar etc. These areas are densely covered with evergreen and deciduous forests of
Burans, Baanj, Chir, Devdar, Kafal etc. On the other hand, the regionon the banks of rivers at the
altitude between 600m to 1200m above mean sea level is the Valley region. This region is locally
called Sera viz. Basulisera, Rawalsera, Beratsera, Someshwarsera, Chaukhutiya, Masisera etc. to
name few. These Sera (valleys) are very fertile and has irrigation channels and micro canals.
1.5 Climate
The climatic conditions depends on the altitude of the region. This district experiences
climatic conditions varying from sub-tropical to temperate. The annual temperature ranges from -
2°C to 36°C. There occurs heavy rainfall from July to September, with the higher reaches
experiencing snowfall in the winter season.
Ranikhet is a cantonment area and the home of Kumaon Regiment. It is a beautiful city and
famous for picturesque meadows. Ranikhet also attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Recommendations for strengthening the rural socio-economy of the district have been
presented. These recommendations will boost the rural socio-economy, particularly of those villages
where there has been considerable out-migration, thus helping to mitigate the problem and reduce
3
migration. A scheme for about 20 villages/toks affected by out migration have been prepared where
economic activity can be boosted for Socio-Economic development.
References
https://almora.nic.in/
Census 2011- Uttarakhand, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India
4
CHAPTER II
2.1. Demography
District Almora forms nearly 5.78% of the state’s total geographical area. The district has a
population of 6,22,506, as per the census 2011, of which the male population is 2,91,081 and the
female population is 3,31,425. District’s population forms nearly 6.15% of the state’s population
and more than 90% of the population resides in rural areas. Population density of the district for
2011 census is 198, which has increased from 170 in 2001, making it a fifth most densely populated
district in the state. Almora has a Sex Ratio of 1139, higher than the State and National average.
The district has an average birth rate of 15.80 per thousand population and an average death rate of
6.00, as on 2016-17. (Source: Statistical Magazine, Almora)
2.2. Population
484263
500000
432002
385928
Population
400000 366642
330391 333350 337687
285104
300000
200000
100000
1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Census Year
Census Year Population
5
% Change in Total Population per Decade
30 25.48
20 17.83
15.88 15.35
14.29
9.99 9.28
10
3.67
% Change
0.9
-1.64
0
1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
-10
-21.83
-20
-30
Census Year
Figure 2.1 clearly suggest that there is a decline in the total population of the district. The
district has experienced a negative decadal population growth of -1.64% for the census period of
2001-2011. For this period the population has declined from 6,30,567 in 2001 to 6,22,506 in
2011.The rural population constitute more than 90% of the total population and there has been an
increase of 25.51% in the urban population during 2001-2011 census. The Sex Ratio for the rural
region is 1177 and for urban regions it is 848 females per 1000 males. District Almora in one of the
top districts with highest Sex Ratio in the country. The average birth rate and the death rate of the
district is 15.80 and 6.00 per thousand population respectively for the year 2016-17.
Table 2.1 shows the block wise population distribution of the district. Out of 11
Development Blocks 7 have negative population growth. Although the district’s decadal population
growth is -1.63%, but for rural population it is -4.20% clearly indicating that the rural population is
migrating towards the urban centres. The majority of the population i.e. 39.35% is engaged in
Agriculture, followed by daily wage labour (34.13%). According to the Commission’s report on
State’s Migration Status, around 42.22% of the migrants fall into the age group of 26-35 years. A
detailed information is given in Chapter 3 of this report.
6
Table 2.1: District’s Population Distribution
% Change % Change in
Area Total Rural Urban
Year/ Block in Rural Urban
(Sq.km.) Population Population Population
Population Population
1991 3697 610453 562718 47735 8.41% NA
2001 3139 632866 578361 54505 2.78% 14.18%
2011 3139 622506 554096 68410 -4.20% 25.51%
Block Wise (2011)
Syalde 241.4 44747 44747 - -9.17% -
Chaukhutiya 192.1 46039 46039 - -6.08% -
Bhikiyasain 214.06 28962 28962 - -21.78% -
Tarikhet 241.32 64063 64063 - -7.45% -
Sult 302 56095 56095 - -8.85% -
Dwarahat 207.4 60066 60066 - -2.42% -
Takula 113.6 45883 45883 - 1.23% -
Bhaisiyachana 96.4 26634 26634 - 0.85% -
Hawalbagh 198.76 67447 67447 - 0.28% -
Lamgada 214.2 52169 52169 - 10.18% -
Dhauladevi 324.4 60620 60620 - -3.54% -
Total Block 2345.64 552725 552725 68967 -4.20% -
Forest 751.2 814 814 - -0.25% -
Rural Area 3096.84 553539 553539 68967 -4.20% -
Urban Area 42.16 68967 0 - - 25.51%
Total District 3139 622506 553539 68967 -4.20%
Source: DES, Almora
7
Age wise Population Distribution
140000
117756
Population 120000
100000
70771 69317 76726
80000
52038
60000 417133795037658
346113101928559
40000 23982
20000 405
0
0-9 10-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-59 >60 NA
Age Group
Rural Urban
Further, if we see the age wise population data of the district, as in figure 2.3, the age group
of 20-49 years constitute only 38% of the total population. This is the working population and has
migrated to the urban centres of the state, country or abroad for better opportunities in livelihood,
education, health etc. The population of the age group below 20 years is 41.42% of the total
population and this portion of the population is the coming generation of the migrants from the
district in the near future, if the present socio-economic conditions are not improved.
Other
Chart Title
10%
Dairy
4%
Horticulture
2%
Agriculture
39%
8
2.3. Education and Literacy
Literacy- Almora
100 92.86
89.2
90 80.47
80.76
80 73.62
69.93
Literacy Rate (%)
70 58.7
60.6
60
50
39.6
40
30
20
10
0
1991 2001 2011
Census Year
Male Female Total
10
The Table 2.3 above shows the number of training institutes in the district. Block Tarikhet
and Hawalbagh have no Polytechnic Institute, Block Syalde and Chaukhutiya do have Polytechnic
Institutes but are non-functional as there is no student intake. In the entire district out of 748
polytechnic seats offered only 441 seats are occupied i.e. 58.95%. For ITIs also out of 1764 seats
offered only 856 are occupied, i.e. 48.52%. These institutes are functioning far below their capacity
and efficiency.
2.4. Health
Table 2.4: Block wise Hospitals and Health Centres in District Almora
Allopathic Primary
Hospital/ Health Total No.
Year/Block Total Staff
Dispensary Centre of Beds
(No.) (No.)
Doctor Para-Medical Others
2014-15 45 28 704 12 496 395
2015-16 43 24 704 132 496 395
2016-17 58 24 712 132 496 395
Block Wise 2016-17
Syalde 4 1 28 3 35 12
Chaukhutiya 2 2 46 5 38 14
Bhikiyasain 5 3 58 9 42 21
Tarikhet 4 2 24 6 52 14
Sult 4 3 32 7 47 15
Dwarahat 8 2 62 15 54 21
Takula 4 2 24 4 40 13
Bhaisiyachana 2 2 16 4 25 12
Hawalbagh 2 4 20 6 46 17
Lamgada 3 0 30 7 43 14
Dhauladevi 4 3 32 8 48 18
Total Rural 42 24 372 74 470 171
Total Urban 16 0 340 58 26 224
Total District 58 24 712 132 496 395
Source: DES, Almora
Table 2.4 shows the allopathic health services in the district. This implies that there is 1
Doctor per 5000 of population or 22 Doctors per lakh population, the National average is 80
Doctors per lakh population for year 2016. As per year 2016-17, the district has 4 large Hospitals, 9
11
Community Health Centres, 1 TB Hospital, 6 Women Hospital, 1 Base Hospital, 1 Joint Hospital,
and 2 aided Private Hospitals.
According to HDR 2018, the life expectancy at birth in 2017 in the district was 71.9 years as
compared to the state average of 71.3 years. Life expectancy at birth for males was 69.2 years and
that for females was 75 years.
2.5. Economy
Almora is a hill district, majority of the economy depends on traditional agriculture,
horticulture, livestock, forest & logging, and mining & quarrying. The size of the economy i.e.
GDDP at Current Prices is estimated Rs.4,28,018 lakh in year 2011-12, Rs.4,90,303 lakh in year
2012-13, Rs.5,63,108 lakh in year 2013-14, Rs.5,58,426 lakh in year 2014-15, Rs.5,98,345 lakh for
year 2015-16 & Rs.6,60,378 lakh for the year 2016-17. In terms of percentage growth the size of the
economy increase by 14.55% in year 2012-13, 14.85% in year 2013-14, -0.83% in year 2014- 15,
7.15% in year 2015-16RE & 10.37% in the year 2016-17 with respect to previous year respectively.
Growth of the economy i.e. GDDP at Constant Prices is estimated Rs.4,28,018 lakh in year 2011-
12, Rs.4,58,385 lakh in year 2012-13, Rs.5,06,144 lakh in year 2013-14, Rs.4,88,369 lakh in year
2014-15, Rs.5,11,911 lakh for year 2015-16RE & is provisionally estimated Rs.5,45,139 lakh for
the year 2016-17. In terms of percentage growth, GDDP at constant price i.e. economy registered
growth of 7.09% in year 2012-13, 10.42% in year 2013- 14, -3.51% in year 2014-15, 4.82% in year
2015-16RE & 6.49% in the year 2016-17 with respect to previous year respectively as compared to
the state average of 7.9 % in 2016-17.
It has been reported in the HDR 2018 that the district has 30.7% of the population below
poverty line as against the state average of 15.6%.
0.1
% Growth
400000 0.08
300000 7.15% 0.06
0.04
200000
0.02
100000 0
-0.83%
0 -0.02
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16RE 2016-17PE
Financial Year
Almora DDP Growth %
12
Per capita income is estimated Rs.60,550 in year 2011-12, Rs.70,056 in year 2012-13,
Rs.79,866 in year 2013-14, Rs.80,512 in year 2014-15, Rs.86,961 for year 2015-16RE & is
provisionally estimated Rs.96,786 for the year 2016-17. In terms of percentage growth, per capita
NDDP at current price or per capita income increase by 15.70% in year 2012-13, 14.00% in year
2013-14, 0.81% in year 2014-15, 8.01% in year 2015-16 & 11.30% in the year 2016-17 with
respect to previous year respectively. The per capita income of the district for 2016-17 is
Rs.96,786, whereas for Hardwar it is Rs.2,54,050 i.e. more than 2.5 times that of District Almora.
If we consider the income of the highest earning member of a rural family, nearly 73% of them
earn less than Rs.5000 a month, this is the least income in the state after district Uttarkashi.
(Source: DES, Almora). It has been estimated in HDR 2018 that the per capita income of males
in the district is about double to that of females. (Rs.1,19,000 to Rs.51,900).
2.5.1. Primary Sector- Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood; however, both the interest
of the farmers and the contribution of Primary Sector is decreasing. Agriculture’s
contribution to GSDP has declined from 31% in 2011-12 to 21% in 2016-17. Out of total
geographical area of 3,139 sq km only 17.11% is the cultivable land. Major crops like
Mandua, paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds etc. are cultivated in the district. The topography
and climate of the district is appropriate for Horticulture activities but at present engages
only 1.51% of the population. This sector must be explored and tapped.
2.5.2. Secondary Sector- It has remained constant around 34% between 2011-12 and 2016-17
towards the GSDP contribution. The stagnant Secondary Sector has added the problem of
low rural incomes. Due to the disinterest in non-productive agriculture and the
unavailability of other livelihood options, the working age group youth is migrating to
nearby cities or outside the state better opportunities. There is a need for focussing on
micro, small and cottage industries in the district. Further, there are few textile and
wooden work clusters in the district which can be promoted through Individual artisans
and SHGs to reach economies of scale for a bigger market.
2.5.3. Tertiary Sector- Contribution of the Tertiary Sector in the GDDP has increased from 36%
in 2011-12 to 44% in 2016-17. This is largely due to availability of tourism and allied
services and facilities. This sector includes Hotels & Restaurants, Homestays, transport
services like bus/taxi etc. and due to a great tourist destination this sector contributes
maximum to the GDDP. This service sector is a great employer and given focus on this
local livelihoods can be generated.
13
The district level Human Development Index (HDI) was amongst the lowest districts in the
state between 0.715 and 0.662.
As per the Aarthik Sarvekshan report (Economic Survey 2018-19) published by the
Government of Uttarakhand, there is a contrasting disparity amongst the hill and the plain
districts of the state. The “Different Dimensions and Composite Index” has placed the
District Almora at the 9th position, out of all 13 districts. District Almora has performed
abysmal on the parameters like Economy, Basic Amenities, and Demographics. The other
parameters on which the districts were evaluated are Agriculture, Health Services, and
Education.
2.6. Agriculture
Although the share of agriculture in Gross District Domestic Product is declining, but still
nearly 39% of the district’s population is engaged in agriculture as its main occupation. The major
crops in the district are cereals like Paddy, Wheat, barley, Maize, Mandua, Sawaan; Pulses like
Urad, Lentil, Gram; Oilseeds like Mustard, Soybean, Sesame; Potato and Turmeric. Due to the hilly
terrain large scale irrigation is not possible but still the valley parts of the districts are being
irrigated by connecting rivers canals. A total of 5751.00 Hectare of area is under irrigation in the
district. The Department of Agriculture has divided the agriculture land into two categories based
on the availability of irrigation, viz. Talau Bhumi and Upraru Bhumi. The Talau Bhumi is an even
area where irrigation facilities are present and the farmers can take Rabi, Kahrif and Zaid crops.
Upraru Bhumi is an unirrigated area where only Kharif crop is taken but not Rabi.
The table 2.6 shows the land use pattern of the district. Nearly 51% of the total area is
covered under forest and10% of the land is either cultivable wasteland or kept fallow. Due to hilly
terrain and unavailability of irrigation facilities, majority of the agriculture is rainfed, therefore the
gross sown area is more in Kharif season. Other than irrigation, the farmers are facing problems
with wild animals like monkeys, wild boars etc. As a result of which there is a dismal interest in
agriculture amongst the farmers of the district.
The table 2.7 shows the area under major crops in the district. Crops like Wheat and Mandua
have the largest area under cultivation i.e. 33% and 31% respectively, followed by Paddy at 16%. In
oilseeds, Soybean, Mustard, and Sesame are the crops. The highlighted box in each column are the
top three blocks having maximum area under respective crops. The table suggests that the block
Sult and Dwarahat have significantly larger area under different crops than that of other blocks.
14
District’s Land Use (Source: Statistical Magazine, DES Almora)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2013-14 464942 236184 38140 2264 6110 24051 12299 29214 38590 78090 36742 114832 40743 74089 0
2014-15 464942 236184 38140 2340 6114 24051 12302 29214 38587 78005 39225 117230 43127 74103 0
2015-16 464942 236184 38149 2036 6137 24051 12308 29214 38585 78278 37518 115796 41183 74613 0
Syalde 38391 2411 10458 332 1380 6838 696 3239 2492 10545 2830 13398 3183 10215
Chaukhu 18902 7727 2200 166 482 1672 299 52 1454 4850 4662 9489 5028 4461
tiya
Bhikiyas 25723 378 8655 293 1095 2029 675 1847 2302 8449 2408 10874 2709 8165
ain
Tarikhet 28952 3751 1608 145 354 3134 2810 2738 6262 8150 3652 11804 4013 7791
Sult 47375 1997 10319 337 1272 3875 1182 11123 2505 14765 1906 16722 2272 14450
Dwarahat 22282 7096 233 123 209 798 343 3518 3607 6355 5303 11636 5725 5911
Takula 12315 2200 1306 142 336 1060 322 396 2452 4101 2970 7061 3237 3824
Bhaisiya 11479 1346 1205 136 295 784 258 1289 1477 4689 2441 7128 2689 4439
chana
Hawalba 22011 5707 1149 133 297 1496 376 3849 3511 5493 4099 9577 4443 5134
gh
15
Lamgada 23439 5725 163 106 161 1321 314 908 8735 6006 2890 8896 3179 5717
Dhaulad 21031 9335 853 123 256 1044 502 255 3788 4875 4357 9211 4705 4506
evi
Total 271900 47673 38149 2036 6137 24051 7777 29214 38585 78278 37518 115796 41183 74613 0
Rural
District 464942 236184 38149 2036 6137 24051 12308 29214 38585 78278 37518 115796 41183 74613 0
Total
Source: DES, Almora
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
2013-14 15597 34854 2490 1623 33882 14375 1756 389 1123 1325
2014-15 16897 35964 2692 1999 33569 12886 1975 386 1210 1163
2015-16 17526 35411 2790 1689 34518 12198 2075 545 1167 389
Block Wise (2015-16)
Syalde 2429 3793 363 152 3373 1090 248 47 100 22
Chaukhutiya 1903 3284 220 72 2517 895 185 55 116 37
Bhikiyasain 1243 3203 260 148 3239 1428 207 48 101 41
16
Tarikhet 1373 4014 252 162 3593 1045 132 46 99 40
Sult 2304 4579 319 164 5027 1729 197 51 109 15
Dwarahat 1811 4246 307 132 3165 1324 206 53 119 65
Takula 1416 1845 218 154 2049 774 135 49 99 30
Bhaisiyachana 1137 2084 182 152 1954 944 148 46 101 25
Hawalbagh 1244 2927 229 202 3222 1097 368 55 114 36
Lamgada 1438 2597 214 194 2944 903 127 54 107 38
Dhauladevi 1228 2839 226 157 3435 969 122 41 102 40
Total Rural 17526 35411 2790 1689 34518 12198 2075 545 1167 389
Urban 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17
Total District 17526 35411 2790 1689 34518 12198 2075 545 1167 389
Source: DES, Almora
17
Looking at the production and productivity of major crops in table 2.8, the production of
Paddy has marginally increased but the productivity has decreased. For Wheat crop, the total
production, and productivity too, has declined by more than 50%.
2.8. Horticulture
18
Almora is a hill district, having a pleasant climate for fruits and vegetables, nearly 24,174
Hectare area is under Horticulture. The major horticulture crops in fruits are: Apple, Pear, Peach,
Plum, Apricot, Walnut, Mango, and Citrus; whereas in vegetables: Pea, Beans, Cole crops, Okra,
Tomato etc. are prominent crops.Out of three orchards, there is only one orchard in Dwarahat and
the other two are in Dhauladevi. Other blocks do not have a single orchard. There are two fruit-
processing units in Tarikhet and one each in block Bhikiyasain, Dwarahat, Takula, and Hawalbagh.
The area under horticulture has remained more or less constant.
The table 2.12 shows the area and production under major fruits in the district Almora.
Mango and Citrus fruits have the maximum area under cultivation, while Pear has the maximum
production followed Citrus fruits. There is only one cold storage in the district in Block Hawalbagh
and that too is non-functional for many years due to some legal complications.
19
Block wise Area and Production of Major Fruits in Almora (Source: DES, Almora)
Table 2.12: Area and Production of Major Fruits in Almora(Area in Ha and Production in metric ton)
Year/ Apple Pear Peach Plum Apricot Walnut Citrus Mango Litchi
Block Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
2014-15 1570 9448 3324 35100 1640 13674 2582 20347 2288 17898 2831 8476 4355 33779 4648 41642 279 72
2015-16 1577 14137 3322 35081 1642 20942 2625 20544 2291 17885 2811 8474 4345 33592 4642 23639 279 80
2016-17 1551 14073 3326 35082 1644 20490 2616 20544 2294 17885 2813 8476 4347 33591 4643 23640 279 82
Block Wise (2015-16)
Syalde 21 240 198 2602 42 331 274 2180 228 1883 253 765 320 2500 762 2622 58 17
Chaukhutiya 7 50 216 2680 51 416 175 1370 154 1201 229 650 251 2017 712 2033 43 11
Bhikiyasain 19 118 235 2687 53 420 182 1431 170 1344 238 720 313 2529 687 2811 73 19
Tarikhet 262 2561 375 3915 209 3685 308 2340 264 2072 266 854 602 4265 409 3117 30 10
20
Sult 60 364 237 2681 62 495 201 1530 174 1220 254 760 315 2549 518 2090 40 11
Dwarahat 180 1380 382 3711 206 3745 259 1799 224 1831 286 858 490 3919 400 1573 15 4
Takula 105 680 325 3325 103 824 222 1719 195 1360 272 816 421 3299 187 1802 0 0
Bhaisiyachana 110 959 220 2584 105 836 195 1550 174 1300 245 769 351 2799 429 2254 13 5
Hawalbagh 121 720 417 3926 105 837 223 2034 248 1982 202 620 434 3467 103 1006 0 0
Lamgada 365 4196 415 3806 405 4487 352 2801 260 1872 280 800 340 2423 103 1002 0 0
Dhauladevi 301 2805 306 3165 303 4414 225 1790 203 1820 288 864 510 3824 333 3310 7 5
Total District 1551 14073 3326 35082 1644 20490 2616 20544 2294 17885 2813 8476 4347 33591 4643 23620 279 82
Source: DES, Almora
20
2.9. Animal husbandry
Along with Agriculture, animal husbandry is one of the most important source of livelihood
in the district. The rural population still rear drought animals for agricultural uses, milch animals,
goats and sheep.The major livestock in the district is shown in the table below.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9
2003 237743 109728 4890 171732 916 771 62579
2007 256164 117938 4721 186391 2124 454 83931
2012 197326 96662 3732 189184 2573 1035 106046
Block Wise (2015-16)
Syalde 7089 6025 491 5732 91 0 3830
Chaukhutiya 18669 13268 20 5485 156 0 11868
Bhikiyasain 11416 9928 1147 11097 278 12 9641
Tarikhet 26180 9612 2 20406 335 0 8459
Sult 13456 12163 2056 22265 107 0 7053
Dwarahat 25283 6023 0 12180 70 0 5245
Takula 17011 3367 16 5854 150 0 6492
Bhaisiyachana 14066 4472 0 15905 175 0 5632
Hawalbagh 28156 10309 0 31607 532 16 26203
Lamgada 10578 7204 0 13513 357 0 3450
Dhauladevi 24284 14229 0 44588 319 0 14247
Urban 1138 62 0 552 3 1007 3926
District Total 197326 96662 3732 189184 2573 1035 106046
Source: DES, Almora
The district has 38 Veterinary Hospitals, 2-3 in each Block, 72 Artificial Insemination
centres and 8 Sub-Fodder Banks. There is one Poultry unit, with 1000 birds’ capacity in Hawalbagh
block. Almora also has a Milk Union Federation having 20,000 litres collection per day. The
federation has 240 milk societies with 15,832 milk producers.
21
2.10. Tourism
In the lap of Himalayas, surrounded by the snow peaked mountains and the panoramic
landscapes, district Almora, also known as the cultural capital of Kumaon, is endowed with the
natural beauty. Since time immemorial Almora has been a renowned spiritual, cultural and religious
destination. Almora is known for its cuisine, cultural history, traditions, fairs and festivals.
Following are the important tourist destination in Almora:
22
Nanda Devi Festival- Organised in the month of September, it is a famous fair of the town.
It is believed that ‘Nanda’ used to be the family Goddess of Chand Dynasty. The temple of ‘Nanda’
in Almora was built by Dyot Chanda in 17th Century, the then ruler of this place. Presently, this
temple remains the core of the festival. The duration of the festival is five days and approximately
twenty five thousand people come to attend this festival.
Dussehra Festival Almora- This festival celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Approximately five to six thousand tourists from the outskirts come to attend the festival in Almora
town. The festival is generally celebrated in the month of October.
Jageshwer Monsoon Festival- The festival has a great religious and historical importance.
Jageshwer Monsoon Festival is organized from 15 July to 15 August. The temple of Lord Jagnath is
one among the twelve ‘Jyotirlinga’ of Lord Shiva in India. Having its archaeological importance the
group of temples of Jageshwer consists of 124 small and big temples of ancient times. This festival
is of great religious importance for Kumauni society. The daily inflow of the number of tourists in
this month long festival remains one thousand approximately. Fairs like Somnath mela,
Janmashtami mela, Mahashivratri mela, Masi mela, Doonagiri mela, Devidhura mela etc. are the
local fairs with a significant social and economic importance.
Almora is well connected by roads, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 80
Km and the nearest Airport is Pantnagar, 120Km. Almora is the adjacent district to Nainital, which
received 10.70 lakh visitors in 2017, whereasonly 2.60 lakh tourists visited Almora. Almora is the
centre for many tourist destinations. There is a great potential in developing cultural, religious and
eco-tourism in the district. The following table gives information on tourism infrastructure and
number of tourists visited the District Almora. Due to large inflow of tourists during March-June
and October-December there are several Homestays in the district, particularly in Kasar Devi area
in Hawalbagh Block. These tourists include both domestic and foreign, while the number of
domestic tourists is more but the number of days spent in these Homestays by foreign tourists is
more.
23
Table 2.15: No. of Tourists visited District Almora
Name of Tourist Destination Year 2017
S.No.
Domestic Foreign Total
1. Almora 108178 4524 112702
2. Ranikhet 145233 1514 146747
https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in
2.11. Industry
Majority of the population i.e. 39.35% is engaged in agriculture and 34.13% as daily wage
labour as their main source of income. The presence of industry is limited to small and micro
enterprises, that too in few numbers.
Table 2.18 shows that the maximum employment is generated by the micro industries over
the last 3 years. However, there is no specific trend in the growth of MSME industries in the
district.
The Districts has an Industrial Estate under SIIDUL (State Infrastructure and Industrial
Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.) at Marchula. Marchula is on the bank of river
25
Ramganga, near Corbett National Park, and offers land on lease to develop Wellness Hotels and
Spa.
Khadi Gramodhyog
Registered Industries Small Industrial Units
Units
Year/Block
Persons Persons Persons
Units Units Units
Employed Employed Employed
2014-15 11 114 2070 4103 1240 4943
2015-16 11 71 2215 4613 1461 5386
2016-17 11 114 2375 5135 1575 5660
Block Wise (2015-16)
Syalde 0 0 80 147 47 168
Chaukhutiya 0 0 130 263 61 348
Bhikiyasain 0 0 135 285 47 249
Tarikhet 4 30 245 613 121 337
Sult 1 16 84 266 29 118
Dwarahat 0 0 152 442 110 378
Takula 1 10 162 327 129 384
Bhaisiyachana 0 0 132 218 116 419
Hawalbagh 3 35 320 660 533 2013
Lamgada 0 0 106 193 129 390
Dhauladevi 0 0 158 346 253 856
Total Rural 9 91 1704 3760 1575 5660
Urban 2 23 671 1375 0 0
Total District 11 114 2375 5135 1575 5660
Source: DES, Almora
26
There is no Industrial cluster in the district but there are few artisanal cluster mainly in
Textile domain. The district is well known for its Khadi and Handloom Products. The following
table shows the details:
District Almora also has a fair amount of mineral and other natural resource deposits of
Slate, Limestone, Magnesite, Sulphur, Lignite, Graphite etc. Due to the earthquake prone area and
harm to bio-diversity, these resources have not been tapped.
27
the State of Uttarakhand 2017-2022”, there will be an incremental manpower supply of about 1.77
lakh by 2022.
As per NSDC report, the incremental demand for human resource in 2022 for top five
sectors would be in Agriculture (0.21 lakh), Education and Skill Development (0.18 lakh), Food
Processing (0.15 lakh), Tourism, Travel, Hospitality & Trade (0.09 lakh), and Building,
Construction & Real Estate Services (0.07 lakh). The demand for semi-skilled and skilled
manpower by 2022 is expected be 0.07 lakh and 0.19 lakh respectively. The study also suggests that
the youths are not interested towards working in Primary Sector, and migrate to other districts and
states to get better opportunities. The youth also emphasised on providing frequent training
programs for different sectors at the district level.
References
https://www.almora.nic.in/
Uttarakhand Migration Commission Report, 2018
https://www.doiuk.org/easeofdoingbusiness.php
Ministry of MSME, Government of India
https://www.who.int/hrh/resources/16058health_workforce_India.pdf
District Statistical Magazine, 2017; Department of Economics & Statistics (DES), Almora
https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/
https://www.nsdcindia.org/sites/default/files/files/uttarakhand-sg-report.pdf
HRD 2018- Human Development Report of the state of Uttarakhand, Department of
Economics and Statistics, Govt of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Economic Survey, 2017-18
28
CHAPTER III
STATUS OF MIGRATION
In this chapter, analysis of the data collected on the basis of the survey conducted by
the commission in January 2018 in different gram panchayats of the district has been presented to
bring out various aspects of migration in the district.
29
Table 3.3: Block wise migrants in last 10 years from gram panchayats
Distric Block Name No. of GPs No. of migrant No. of GPs (with No. of migrant
t Name (with semi- over last 10 yrs permanent over last 10 yrs
permanent (semi- migration/sold (permanent
migration) / permanent their lands, migration/sold
Short term migration)/ abandoned their lands,
migration Short term houses and abandoned houses
for migration for seldom visit and seldom visit
livelihood livelihood village) village)
Almora Bhaisiyachana 51 3,493 37 1,215
Almora Bhikiyasain 91 5,752 74 1,344
Almora Chaukhutiya 91 5,657 35 1,148
Almora Dhauladevi 93 4,948 39 1,013
Almora Dwarahat 121 9,038 92 3,507
Almora Hawalbagh 78 2,023 50 555
Almora Lamgara 99 4,229 77 1,599
Almora Sult 123 3,480 77 1,379
Almora Syalde 88 4,723 47 1,098
Almora Takula 82 6,498 61 2,056
Almora Tadikhet 105 3,770 57 1,293
Total 1022 53,611 646 16,207
Table 3.4: State wise migrants in last 10 years from gram panchayats
No. of GPs
No. of migrant
No. of migrant (with
No. of GPs (with over last 10 yrs
over last 10 yrs permanent
semi-permanent (permanent
(semi- permanent migration / sold
migration) / migration/sold
State Name migration)/ their lands,
Short term their lands,
Short term abandoned
migration for abandoned houses
migration for houses and
livelihood and seldom visit
livelihood seldom visit
village)
village)
Uttarakhand 6,338 383,726 3,946 118,981
30
3.3. MAIN REASONS FOR MIGRATION
The main reason for migration is the problem of livelihood/employment followed by dearth
of education; health and infrastructure. The detailed data has been provided in the tables below.
Table 3.5: Block wise main reasons for migration from gram panchayats Total
Block Name
Productivity (%)
migration (%)
animals (%)
Almora Bhaisiyachana 70.86 3.77 5.43 0.93 8.66 0.02 10.09 0.23 100.00
Almora Bhikiyasain 48.45 8.01 13.32 3.37 10.53 3.15 11.39 1.77 100.00
Almora Chaukhutiya 45.75 11.68 13.51 2.35 4.95 3.88 12.23 5.65 100.00
Almora Dhauladevi 36.63 6.68 19.27 4.27 11.85 1.97 12.79 6.55 100.00
Almora Dwarahat 38.58 8.61 13.52 3.01 10.34 5.74 13.97 6.23 100.00
Almora Hawalbagh 41.15 10.15 11.85 4.44 8.44 1.11 8.96 13.89 100.00
Almora Lamgara 34.84 12.48 12.43 8.65 13.94 2.68 11.77 3.22 100.00
Almora Sult 48.45 11.00 8.72 3.69 6.19 0.88 16.39 4.70 100.00
Almora Syalde 65.00 4.79 4.17 1.48 1.68 1.73 5.00 16.15 100.00
Almora Takula 60.71 6.81 15.71 2.95 4.16 2.29 4.94 2.43 100.00
Almora Tadikhet 46.70 7.87 8.47 4.56 9.18 3.26 9.67 10.30 100.00
31
Table 3.6: District wise main reasons for migration from gram panchayats
Main reason for migration from Gram panchayats (%)
Lack or livelihood/
Lack of Education
Emulating family,
Loss of Farming
employment (%)
Lack of medical
caused by wild
migration (%)
Total
facilities (%)
facilities (%)
animals (%)
Almora 47.78 8.61 11.75 3.81 8.37 2.68 10.99 6.02 100.00
Table 3.7: State wise main reasons for migration from gram panchayats
Main reason for migration from Gram panchayats (%)
(Roads, Electricity,
Lack or livelihood/
Lack of Education
Emulating family,
Productivity (%)
Lack of medical
caused by wild
Infrastructure
migration (%)
Total
facilities (%)
facilities (%)
animals (%)
Low Farm
Lack of
(%)
Uttarakhand 50.16 8.83 15.21 3.74 5.44 2.52 5.61 8.48 100.00
8.48
5.61
2.52
5.44
3.74
50.16
15.21
8.83
vkthfodk@jkstxkj dh leL;k ¼izfr’kr½
fpfdRlk lqfo/kk dk vkHkko ¼izfr’kr½
f’k{kk lqof/kk dk vkHkko ¼izfr’kr½
bUQzkVDpj ¼lM+d] fctyh] ikuh o vU; dk vkHkko½ ¼izfr’kr½
d`f”k Hkweh esa mRikndrk@iSnkokj dh deh ¼izfr’kr½
ifjokj@lxs laEcfU/k;ksa dh ns[kk&ns[kh iyk;u djuk ¼izfr’kr½
taxyh tkuojksa ds }kjk d`f”k dks gkfu igqapkus djus ds dkj.k ¼izfr’kr½
32
3.4. AGE OF MIGRANTS
This section analyses the age of the migrants from the gram panchayats. More than 42% of
the migrants are between age of 26 to 35 years. Detailed information of different blocks is given in
the tables below:
Table 3.8: Block wise age of migrants from gram panchayats Total
District Block wise age of migrants from gram panchayats (%)
Name Block Name Age<25 years (at Age 26-35 years Age >35 (at
present) (at present) present)
Almora Bhaisiyachana 10.17 72.13 17.70 100.00
Almora Bhikiyasain 30.38 45.42 24.20 100.00
Almora Chaukhutiya 27.04 45.24 27.72 100.00
Almora Dhauladevi 23.50 37.61 38.89 100.00
Almora Dwarahat 33.62 37.52 28.86 100.00
Almora Hawalbagh 12.58 44.56 42.86 100.00
Almora Lamgara 32.19 40.21 27.60 100.00
Almora Sult 29.21 36.43 34.37 100.00
Almora Syalde 44.92 39.13 15.94 100.00
Almora Takula 26.60 45.50 27.90 100.00
Almora Tadikhet 42.97 38.44 18.59 100.00
Table 3.9: District and Age wise Migration Status from gram panchayats
Age wise Migration Status from gram panchayats (%)
Total
District Name Age<25 years Age 26-35 years
Age >35 (at present)
(at present) (at present)
Table 3.10: State and Age wise Migration Status from gram panchayats
Total
Age wise Migration Status from gram panchayats (%)
State Name Age<25 years (at Age 26-35 years
Age >35 (at present)
present) (at present)
33
45.00 42.25
40.00
35.00
28.66 29.09
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
Table 3.11: Block wise destination of migrants from Gram Panchayats Total
Destination of migrants (%)
District Other Outside Outside
Block Name Nearby District
Name Districts of the the
Town Headquarter
the State state country
Almora Bhaisiyachana 1.80 13.37 38.96 45.85 0.01 100.00
Almora Bhikiyasain 5.38 9.98 23.67 60.65 0.33 100.00
Almora Chaukhutiya 8.71 7.16 30.90 53.03 0.20 100.00
Almora Dhauladevi 4.02 15.66 44.23 36.09 0.00 100.00
Almora Dwarahat 13.52 11.29 31.37 42.52 1.29 100.00
Almora Hawalbagh 6.25 12.50 35.00 46.25 0.00 100.00
Almora Lamgara 13.94 25.91 40.23 19.52 0.40 100.00
Almora Sult 10.38 11.69 27.46 50.15 0.31 100.00
Almora Syalde 1.53 9.76 29.04 59.61 0.07 100.00
Almora Takula 2.31 15.04 29.80 52.67 0.18 100.00
Almora Tadikhet 8.60 9.97 32.65 47.76 1.01 100.00
34
Table 3.12: Destination of migrants from Gram Panchayats Total
Destination of migrants (%)
0.96
19.46
28.72
15.18
35.69
35
3.6. UNINHABITED VILLAGES DE-POPULATED AFTER 2011
This section presents details ofdistrict and block wise summary of number of revenue
villages/ toks which have become de-populated after 2011; number not connected by roads; number
of villages where electricity is not available; drinking water not within 1 km; PHC not available
Table 3.14: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (De-populated After 2011)
Total Revenue
District Name Block Name
Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 6
Almora Chaukhutiya 6
Almora Dhauladevi 7
Almora Dwarahat 4
Almora Hawalbagh 4
Almora Lamgara 4
Almora Sult 20
Almora Syalde 2
Almora Takula 2
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 57
Table 3.15: District wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (De-populated After 2011)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra(at present)
Almora 57
Total ( state) 734
Table 3.16: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (Not Connected by Road)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra(at
District Name Block Name
present
Almora Bhikiyasain 5
Almora Chaukhutiya 3
36
Table 3.16: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (Not Connected by Road)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra(at
District Name Block Name
present
Almora Dhauladevi 7
Almora Dwarahat 1
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Lamgara 3
Almora Sult 15
Almora Syalde 2
Almora Takula 2
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 42
Uttarakhand 482
Table 3.17: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (Electricity not Available)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra(at
District Name Block Name
present
Almora Bhikiyasain 1
Almora Chaukhutiya 2
Almora Dhauladevi 2
Almora Dwarahat 1
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Lamgara 4
Almora Sult 5
Almora Syalde 2
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 21
37
Table 3.18: District wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Electricity not Available)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora 21
Total(state) 358
Table 3.19: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (Drinking water not within 1Km)
Total Revenue
District Name Block Name
Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 1
Almora Chaukhutiya 2
Almora Dhauladevi 2
Almora Dwarahat 4
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Lamgara 4
Almora Sult 12
Almora Syalde 2
Almora Tadikhet 1
Total 30
Table 3.20: District wise Number of revenue uninhabited villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Drinking water not within 1Km)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name
(at present)
Almora 30
Total (State) 399
38
Table 3.21: District and Block wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (PHC not available)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name Block Name
(at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 6
Almora Chaukhutiya 6
Almora Dhauladevi 7
Almora Dwarahat 4
Almora Hawalbagh 4
Almora Lamgara 4
Almora Sult 17
Almora Syalde 2
Almora Takula 2
Almora Tadikhet 1
Total 53
Table 3.22: District wise Number of uninhabited revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (PHC not available)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present
Almora 53
Total (state) 660
Table 3.23: District and Block wise Number of villages where people have in-migrated and
settled in last 10 years from other villages/ towns or small towns
District Block Name Number of villages where people have in-migrated and settled in
Name last 10 years from other villages/ towns or small towns
Almora Bhaisiyachana 1
Almora Bhikiyasain 8
Almora Chaukhutiya 2
39
Almora Dhauladevi 7
Almora Dwarahat 12
Almora Hawalbagh NA
Almora Lamgara 1
Almora Sult 5
Almora Syalde 1
Almora Takula 1
Almora Tadikhet 1
Total 39
Table 3.24: District wise Number of villages where people have in-migrated and settled in
last 10 years from other villages/ towns or small towns
Number of villages where people have in-migrated and settled in last 10
District Name
years from other villages/ towns or small towns
Almora 39
Total (State) 850
Table 3.25: Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Population reduced by 50% After 2011)
District Name Block Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 18
Almora Chaukhutiya 11
Almora Dhauladevi 18
Almora Dwarahat 5
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Sult 23
Almora Syalde 1
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 80
40
Table 3.26: District wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Population reduced by 50% After 2011)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora 80
Total (state) 565
Table 3.27: District and Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (Not Connected by Road)
Total Revenue
District Name Block Name
Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 15
Almora Chaukhutiya 4
Almora Dhauladevi 15
Almora Dwarahat 3
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Sult 21
Almora Syalde 1
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 63
Table 3.28: District wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (Not Connected by Road)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora 63
Total (State) 367
Table 3.29: District and Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (Electricity not Available) (2018)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name Block Name
(at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 7
Almora Chaukhutiya 2
41
Table 3.29: District and Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (Electricity not Available) (2018)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name Block Name
(at present)
Almora Dhauladevi 1
Almora Sult 1
Total 11
Table 3.30: District wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (Electricity not Available) (2018)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name
(at present)
Almora 11
Total (State) 119
Table 3.31: District and Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat
Level (Population reduced by 50% After 2011)
(Drinking water not within 1Km)
Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra
District Name Block Name
(at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 7
Almora Chaukhutiya 6
Almora Dhauladevi 3
Almora Dwarahat 4
Almora Sult 14
Total 34
Table 3.32: District wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Drinking water not within 1Km)
District Name Total Revenue Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora 34
Total (State) 203
42
Table 3.33: District and Block wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram
Panchayat Level (Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (PHC not available)
Total Revenue
District Name Block Name
Villages/Toks/Majra(at present)
Almora Bhikiyasain 17
Almora Chaukhutiya 11
Almora Dhauladevi 14
Almora Dwarahat 4
Almora Hawalbagh 2
Almora Sult 20
Almora Syalde 1
Almora Tadikhet 2
Total 71
Table 3.34: District wise Number of revenue villages/toks at Gram Panchayat Level
(Population reduced by 50% After 2011) (PHC not available)
Total Revenue
District Name
Villages/Toks/Majra (at present)
Almora 71
Total (State) 510
43
CHAPTER IV
Cumulative Expenditure
Total Amount available
Amount Remaining as
compared to released
Budget for FY2016-17
Amount released in
Amount spent as
Amount spent as
Name of Scheme
compared to (3)
on 01.04.2016
FY2016-17
Achieved
Target
S.No.
Unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 MGNREGA 6.90 0.00 2930.20 3950.18 3961.95 3968.44 3961.95 14 Lakh 13.99
man
days
2 Aajeevika 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sponsored 0
44
The table 4.2 shows the types and numbers of SHGs formed under NRLM in different blocks of
Almora District.
Table 4.2: SHGs Group Social Category Wise (Block Level)
Blocks like Sult, Syaldey, and Bhikiyasain have less number of SHGs and there are no new
SHG’s in these blocks.
4.1.1. Aajivika: Uttrakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission has an ongoing program called
ILSP (Integrated Livelihood Support Program) in collaboration with IFAD (International
Fund for Agriculture Development). This program is focused on the Food Security and
Livelihood Enhancement, Watershed Development, Livelihood Financing, and Project
Monitoring components thorough various activities like formation of Producers’ groups,
support in crop and livestock production, backword and forward linkages, collection
centres, and training. Several resource centres and farm machinery banks have been set
up under this program at the block level and operated and managed by the community.
Under this program, to facilitate the mechanization in agriculture, multiple farm
machinery banks are established at the block level. Local agencies, working in particular
area/block, are roped in for providing technical expertise in different fields like
agriculture, forest produce, skill building etc.
ILSP has been functional in Bhikiyasain, Chaukhutiya, Hawalbagh, Sult, Syaldey, Tarikhet
and Dwarahat blocks. The following table shows the coverage of this program in district Almora.
45
Table 4.3: Household Coverage under ILSP Program in Almora
No. of No. of No. of HHs No. of HHs
No. of LCs
S.No. Villages Groups Supported under Supported for
(Registered)
Supported Supported PG/VPG (1st) Seed Capital (1st)
1 112 322 2916 328 6
2 115 316 3011 420 5
3 102 323 3163 621 6
4 88 308 3165 823 6
5 94 355 3339 324 5
6 121 367 3261 339 6
7 128 341 3007 196 6
Total 760 2332 21862 3051 40
Source: DPMU- ILSP, Almora
Haat Bazaar
To provide the market facility to members of the co-operative societies, the co-
operatives have come up with the idea of “Haat Bazaar” i.e. local market. These open markets
are organised weekly primarily near urban centres of the district, like Hawalbagh, Chaukhutiya,
Bhikiyasain etc. With this kind of market availability members of the societies earning a regular
income.
Seed Production
Under Gramya scheme 17 FIGs (Farmers’ Interest Groups) have been formed and
registered as “Jagnath Krishi Beej Utpadak Sangh”, Artola in the year 2015. This federation has
licence to sell certified and foundation seeds from TDC (Tarai Seeds and Development
Corporation). Uttarakhand State Seed Certification Agency, USSCA has trained the farmers in
seed production and the seeds thus produced are collected by a mobile seed processing van
provided by TDC. In 2017 Kharif season, breeder seeds of paddy, mandua, madira, ramdana,
gahat and bhatt varieties were procured from VPKAS, TDC and State Govt. The federation was
successful in producing 132 quintal of seeds.
Figure 5: Source: Samvad-Aajivika Magazine, October 2018
46
4.1.2. Table 4.4 shows the status of MGNREGA in the district Almora. Under this scheme the
total expenditure for the entire district in the FY 2017-18 is Rs.3,935.25 lakh, which was
Rs.3,545.74 lakh for the FY 2016-17 (inclusive of both labour and material part). This
total expenditure has been increasing over the last 3 financial years.
4.1.3. GRAMYA: This program is undertaken by the State Watershed Development Directorate.
It works at the community level with Gram Panchayats, SHGs and Vulnerable Groups.
Following table shows the funding pattern in Vulnerable Groups in the District Almora.
48
6 Disposable Plate/ Bowl Making 1 1,00,000
7 Packaging 1 1,00,000
8 Rope Making 1 30,000
9 Sound System 5 2,50,000
10 Chholiya Dance Group 5 2,90,000
11 Chaulai Laddu Making 1 25,000
12 Basket Making 6 2,20,000
13 Tent Making 19 13,70,000
14 Black smithy 1 50,000
Total 63 29,15,000
Source: District Administration, Almora
Activities like collection/grading/ packaging and tent making are apparently preferred
options under this scheme.
49
Table 4.7: Progress under Individual Interest Subsidy Scheme in Almora (Amount in INR Lakh)
The above two tables show the data of two different schemes under District Khadi
Development Board (KVIB). It is clearly evident that there is a disparity in the presence of these
micro industrial units within the district. Nearly more than 50% of these units, in both the schemes,
are being concentrated in 3 blocks i.e. Hawalbagh, Takula, and Dhauladevi; Hawalbagh having the
maximum units, over the last three financial years. This may be because of the close vicinity of
these blocks to the district headquarter Almora. Whereas, the remote blocks like Syaldey, Sult,
Bhikiyasain, Chaukhutiya etc. have poor performance under this scheme. There is a need to focus in
these blocks to support entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.
Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB) also operates a factory for producing woollens.
The raw material i.e. wool is procured from Harshil (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand) and high quality
material from Australia and New Zealand. The processing, spinning, and weaving is done in this
factory. The final products are then sent to different locations according to demand. They also have
a shop in Almora market to showcase and sell the products. Several products like Shawls, Stoles,
Blankets, Cap, Scarf, Jackets, Sweaters, etc. are manufactured in the factory. The table below shows
the details.
50
Table 4.8: Production Details of River View Factory, Almora
Production Revenue Wages
S.No. Year Jobs
(in Rs. Lakh) (in Rs. Lakh) (in Rs. Lakh)
1 2015-16 20.21 80.55 206 7.49
2 2016-17 27.11 96.35 195 3.19
3 2017-18 29.9 77.26 195 4.93
2018-19
4 (till Dec. 2018) 26.94 30.61 195 5.66
Source: River View Factory, KVIB Almora
This can readily be up scaled by addressing the problems and limitations of this activity. The
number of direct jobs has remained static at around 200 and there is scope for increasing this
number.
4.3. Agriculture: Agriculture department has several schemes currently running in the district.
4.3.1. Centrally Sponsored Schemes
a. Rashtriya Khadya Shuraksha Mission (National Food Security Mission)- The
scheme launched in year October, 2007 by Government of India aims to increase
the annual production of food grains. The funding pattern between Central to State
is 90:10. Under this scheme crops like Rice, Wheat, coarse cereals (maize, barley),
Nutri Cereals (Mandua, Jhangora, Ramdana etc.), Pulses (Urad, Gahat, Gram,
Green Gram, Lentil etc.), Oilseeds (Soybean, Mustard, Rapeseed etc.) are being
promoted.
b. Rashtriya Samposhaniya Krishi Mission (National Mission for Sustainable
Agriculture)- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been
formulated for enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rainfed areas
focusing on integrated farming, water use efficiency, soil health management and
synergizing resource conservation. Under this scheme the following programmes are
undertaken:
b.1. Rainfed Agriculture Development Scheme- Sponsored in ratio 90:10
between Centre and State. The programme aims to promote rainfed
agriculture through Integrated Farming System, Water Use Efficiency, Soil
Health Management and Natural Resource management. Within this
Programme several farming systems are adopted like Horticulture based
farming system, Livestock based faming system, Dairy based farming
system, Fisheries based farming system, Silvi-pastoral based farming
system/NTFP poplar, Agro forestry based farming system, and Value
addition and resource conservation.
51
b.2. Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme
b.3. Soil Health Management- the establishment of soil testing labs and
providing soil health cards free of cost to farmers.
c. National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
c.1. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material
c.2. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization
c.3. ATMA
d. National Oilseeds and Oil Palm Mission
e. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme)-
Launched in February, 2016, the scheme provides comprehensive risk coverage from
pre-sowing to post harvest losses due to non-preventable natural risks.
f. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)- RKVY is a Government of India
scheme launched in 2007 to ensure a holistic development of agriculture and allied
sector by allowing states to choose their own agriculture and allied sector
development activities as per the district/state agriculture plan. RKVY guidelines
have been revamped as RKVY- RAFTAAR- (Remunerative Approaches for
Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation) to enhance efficiency, efficacy and
inclusiveness of the programme for the remaining period of the Fourteenth Finance
Commission.
f.1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
f.2. Integrated Multipurpose Water Conservation Program
f.3. Organic farming Program
f.4. Gherbaad Yojana (Fencing Scheme)- Started in year 2014-15 to protect
farm and crops from wild animals like monkeys, wild boars etc. This includes
wall fencing, barbed wire fencing, solar fencing and bio-fencing (plants used
as fencing for main crop).
f.5. Kisan Mela (Farmer Fair)- In collaboration with several other departments
like Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Horticulture, Silk etc. farmer fairs are
organised at Nyay Panchayat level. These fairs showcase different schemes
for farmers.
f.6. Farm Mechanization- Under this programme several farm implements are
being provided to farmers at subsidised rate.
f.7. Natural Calamity
52
g. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana- This scheme aims to develop the
irrigation structures, increase the area under irrigation, integration of water sources,
judicious distribution and use of water, water conservation, and groundwater
recharge.
g.1. More Crop Per Drop
g.2. Integrated Watershed Management Program
h. Soil Testing Lab (Boron Analysis Program)
4.3.2. State Sponsored Schemes
a. Agriculture Development Programmes in SC/ST Villages- This scheme aims to
promote agriculture and allied activities in SC/ST populated villages. Several
schemes like seed mini-kit distribution, distribution of farm implements, water
conservation and harvesting, poultry, fisheries, poly-house and other extension
services are provided to the farmers of these communities.
b. Pump-set, Sprinkler, farm implement program
4.3.3. District Schemes
a. Plant Protection- plant protection inputs like herbicides, pesticides, micro-nutrients,
light and pheromone traps etc. are provided to the farmers.
b. Seed Mini-kit Distribution- high quality seeds of cereals, pulses, oilseeds,
vegetables etc. are given to farmers.
c. Irrigation Development program- under this program water tanks and other
irrigation structures are constructed to facilitate irrigation. Convergence with other
programs like MNREGA is also done.
d. Vermi-compost- this program facilitates organic manure production through
vermicomposting and its use in agriculture.
e. Farm- Mechanization- Agriculture implements like tractors, power tillers,
thrashers, reapers etc. are provided at subsidised rate to the farmers. Community
owned Custom Hiring centres and Farm Machinery Banks are also facilitated by the
department under this program.
Agriculture Department has formed Clusters in selected Gram Panchayats (Block wise) in
order to double the Farmers’ income in the district.
Table 4.9: Clusters Selected under Doubling the Farmers’ Income Scheme
Block Cluster Name Gram Panchayat
Maal, Sarso, Bakh, Jhasiatana, Dugalkhola, Chausali, Balta,
Hawalbagh Falseema
Bhunara, Bintola
53
Tunakot, Bamsyu, Uprari, Bajol, Bajina, Bhadgaon, Chokuni,
Tarikhet Tipola
Mauna, Makudo, Gairad,
Natadol, Bhagadevali, Mor Patyudi, Dhaura, Thaant, Baliya,
Lamgada Motiapathar
Beganiya, Aanuli, Mergaon
Kotyuda, Matela, Dudholi, Nayal, Todra, Ratkhan, Manela,
Dwarahat Dwarahat
Rawalsera, Airadi
Arasalpad, Gyoli, Kabhdi, Chitoli, Farakholi, Nelpad,
Dhauladevi Arasalpad
Bahagartola, Papgaad, Chamuakhalsa
Bhaisiachana Bhaisiachana Kujbargal, Dungari, Dhamoli, Pethsal, Bajoli
Barangal Kaliyalingud, Jaikhali, Barangal
Syaldey
Saraikhet Saraikhet, Unyal, Kafalgaon, Sakargaon, Buranshpani
Ajoli Talli, Aasutley, Devayal, Badhar, Boda Malla, Badhet,
Sult Bhaunkhal
Bhakrakot,
Kudidhar Kudidhar, Varkinda, Besar, Bagad, Bungidhar
Bhikiyasain Sinoda Sinoda, Pantgaon, Danpo, Lokot, Harnoli, Palitholi, Mohanari
Basoli Hadoli, Basoli, Churadi, Bhaisodi, Bhakuna, Sunoli
Takula
Amkholi Dotiyal Gaon, Thapla, Panergaon, Amkholi, Beena, Kande
Vetandhar, Ganai, Bhatoli, Bhattkot, Reethachaura, Dhaun,
Vetandhar
Chaukhutiya Timta, Haat, Jalla
Aadigram Fuloria Aadigram Fuloria, Aadigram Kanodiya
Source: Agriculture Department, Almora
54
Table 4.11: Per Farmer income (in thousand INR) based on activities undertaken
Selected Cluster (2017-18)
S.No.
Block Name Agriculture Horticulture Livestock Total
1 Hawalbagh Falseema 0.085 0.07825 0.05688 0.22013
Basoli 0.1433 0.08025 0.1129 0.33645
2 Takula
Amkholi 0.12175 0.08825 0.1035 0.3135
3 Tarikhet Tipola 0.10531 0.0985 0.14262 0.34643
Barangal 0.0067 0.11175 0.11598 0.23443
4 Syaldey
Saraikhet 0 0.117 0.1425 0.2595
5 Dhauladevi Aarasalpad 0.08675 0.10625 0.16672 0.35972
6 Lamgada Motiapathar 0.20025 0.1375 0.10504 0.44279
7 Bhaisiachana Bhaisiachana 0.08183 0 0.13938 0.22121
8 Dwarahat Dwarahat 0.14733 0.10325 0.16552 0.4161
Bhaunkhal 0 0.11425 0.15225 0.2665
9 Sult
Kudidhar 0 0.10625 0.07036 0.17661
10 Vetandhar 0.14 0.14 0.1361 0.4161
Chaukhutiya
Aadigram 0.15 0.09325 0.18785 0.4311
11 Bhikiyasain Sinoda 0.02858 0.10375 0.23451 0.36684
Total 1.2968 1.4785 2.03211 4.80741
Source: Agriculture Department, Almora
The scheme has been proposed for 3 years, 2018-19 to 2021-22 and financially supported
through NMAET, District Scheme, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Youth Welfare and PRD. There is a need of similar such initiatives to be taken in
other hill districts of the state.
55
Horticulture
Table 4.12: Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States
Financial Year Financial Year Financial Year
(2015-16) (2016-17) (2017-18)
Block
Sanctioned Amt. Sanctioned Amt. Sanctioned Amt.
Amt. Spent Amt. Spent Amt. Spent
Hawalbagh 3.9065 3.9065 6.0502 6.0502 4.8891 4.8891
Dhauladevi 8.639 8.639 7.976 7.976 19.5802 19.5802
Bhaisiyachana 2.28707 2.28707 1.937 1.937 2.6793 2.6793
Dwarahat 5.6255 5.6255 4.1985 4.1985 2.4226 2.4226
Chaukhutiya 5.5665 5.5665 2.2056 2.2056 3.6331 3.6331
Bhikiyasain 3.2465 3.2465 3.214 3.214 1.9127 1.9127
Syaldey 3.7365 3.7365 11.0835 11.0835 4.6836 4.6836
Sult 7.27201 7.27201 12.716 12.716 11.4625 11.4625
Lamgada 4.539 4.539 3.4333 3.4333 3.6257 3.6257
Tarikhet 8.348 8.348 15.3309 15.3309 4.999 4.999
Takula 3.699 3.699 3.4125 3.4125 2.06498 2.06498
Total 56.87 56.87 71.56 71.56 61.95 61.95
Source: Horticulture Department, Almora
56
Table 4.14: Horticulture Development Schemes in District Almora
Exp.
S.No. District Sector Scheme (2017-18) Unit Figures
(in lakh)
1 Horticulture Development in SC populated area 2.513 Ha 7
2 Constructing Poly-house (at 90% Subsidy) (30x11x9) ft. 24.183 No. 475
3 Distribution of Plastic crates (50% subsidy) 2.04 No. 1673
4 Training on Fruit and Vegetable Processing (Women) 0.401 No. 176
5 Insecticides Distribution (60% subsidy) 3.399 Ha. 1404
6 Kurmula pest control (75% subsidy) 2.725 Ha. 507
7 Horticulture Implements (50% subsidy) 4.905 No. 741
Freight Charges on Horticulture Investment (100%
8
subsidy) 12.764 -- --
Source: Horticulture Department, Almora
4.4.1. Medicinal Plants Unit: This unit under the Horticulture Department in engaged in
promoting aromatic and medicinal plants. The unit also imparts training programs,
distribution and planting of medicinal plants, and extraction of essential oils. The table
below shows the cluster of such plantations. This unit was earlier a part of Co-operative
57
Department until 2007, where they had village level collection and aggregation facilities
through PACS and marketing of these produce through marketing co-operative societies.
Now since this unit is merged with Horticulture Department, there is a fundamental problem
of filed staffs and the problems trickle down to farmers.
Table 4.16: Plantation of Medicinal Plants in Almora
Year Block Cluster Name No. of Villages Plantation
2014-15 Dhaili 3 Tezpaat
Lamgada
Kaltani 3 Tezpaat
Sult Dhungamohan 1 Tezpaat
2015-16 Sult Kothalgaon 1 Tezpaat
Kotli talli 1 Tezpaat
Jakh Kotli 1 Sarpgandha
Bhaisiachana Utiya 1 Badi Elaichi
Hawalbagh Thapliya 1 Tezpaat
2016-17 Dhauladevi Dhyadi 5 Tezpaat
Garudabaaj 4 Tezpaat
Naini 1 Tezpaat
Chelchina 3 Tezpaat
Dwarahat Eida 2 Tezpaat
Lamgada Futa 1 Tezpaat
2017-18 Bhikiyasain Jeenapani 5 Tezpaat
Dhauladevi Dhaspad 2 Tezpaat
Syaldey Airadibisht 7 Tezpaat
Bhaisiachana Khakari 1 Tezpaat
Palyo 1 Tezpaat
2018-19 Takula Nirayi 1 Tezpaat
Lamgada Dol 1 Tezpaat
Tolyon 1 Tezpaat
Sult
Baud Malla 1 Tezpaat
Bhaisiachana Kunjbargal 1 Badi Elaichi
Dhungamohan 1 Badi Elaichi
Sult Kothalgaon 1 Badi Elaichi
Pinakot 1 Badi Elaichi
Total 52
Source: Medicinal Plants Unit, Dept. of Horticulture, Almora
The plantation is done at the farmers’ field and he/she is free to find the market. There is
scope for expanding this activity in other villages and blocks.
58
4.5. Animal Husbandry: The Animal Husbandry department has a number of programs running
in the district. The following shows the number of beneficiaries under different schemes.
Table 4.17: Schemes under Department of Animal Husbandry Almora
S.No. Name of Program 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
1. Milch Animal (Cow) 46 35 59 28
2. Goat Rearing 18 9 20 19
3. Ahilyabai Holkar Goat Rearing 9 12 18 --
4. Goat Rearing (for women) -- -- 15 --
5. Poultry 1720 1019 1158 1000
Source: Department of Animal Husbandry, Almora
4.5.1. Dairy: Livestock rearing is one of the most important source of livelihood along with the
agriculture, but only 3.66% of the district’s population is engaged in Dairy business as their
main occupation. The following tables shows the status of Milk Unions in the district
Almora.
59
3 Hawalbagh 51 24 27
4 Tarikhet 72 58 14
5 Bhikiyasain 31 18 13
6 Dwarahat 41 34 7
7 Chaukhutiya 25 19 6
8 Sult 52 23 29
9 Syaldey 2 0 2
10 Bhaisiachana 13 2 11
11 Takula 2 0 2
Total 441 253 188
Source: Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Ltd., Almora
4.6. Fisheries- The Department of Fisheries has currently three schemes running in the district
viz.
Coldwater Fisheries Development Scheme
Fisheries sub-scheme for Scheduled Castes
Construction of Fish Ponds Scheme for hill areas
60
4.7. Tourism: The department has developmental projects under District Scheme, State, and
centrally sponsored. The two main schemes are Home-stay scheme and Veer Chandra Singh
Garhwali Self-Employment Scheme. Running homestays by the villagers has given them an
additional source of income. The maximum numbers of the Homestays are in Kasar Devi
area of the Hawalbagh Block, 5 km from the Almora town. The majority of the Homestays
were previously guest houses and are converted to homestays post the Homestay policy. The
homestay activity is not the main source of income for the owners but is an additional source
of income. The average monthly income generated by the owner is between Rs.7,000-
10,000 and the average number of guests in a month is 4-5. The months of March-June are
the peak months while December-February and the monsoon season is lean period. The
owners are happy with additional income they are generating from homestay but have
several concern with the government, which are elaborated in Chapter 5 under Homestay.
61
The transport office has issued 209 road transport permits in the year 2017-18 and in this
financial year it is 381.
4.9. Tea Development Board, Almora- Uttrakhand Tea Development Board has tea estates in 3
blocks of Almora viz. Dhauladevi, Takula, and Chaukhutiya
There are other places identified by the Tea Board in the District Almora for Tea plantation
viz. Bhaisiachana, Bhikiyasain, Hawalbagh, Lamgada, and Syaldey. As of now the total production
is small and due to the unavailability of processing centre/plant in the district, the present
production is being sent to Kausani (Bageshwar) factory for processing. In the coming years there is
a proposal of setting up a Tea factory in Block Dhauladevi and thus encouraging Tea Tourism too.
References
https://almora.nic.in/
Department of Rural Development, Almora, Uttarakhand
Department of Agriculture, Almora, Uttarakhand
www.nrlm.gov.in
Department of Horticulture, Almora, Uttarakhand
Department of Tourism, Almora, Uttarakhand
Ministry of MSME, GoI
District Industries Center, Almora, Uttarakhand
RTO, Almora, Uttarakhand
District Khadi Udhyog Department, Almora, Uttarakhand
River View Factory, Almora, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Tea Development Board, Almora, Uttarakhand
Department of Animal Husbandry, Almora, Uttarakhand
Department of Fisheries, Almora, Uttarakhand
Home stay owners in District Almora
62
CHAPTER V
District Almora forms nearly 5.78% of the state’s total geographical area. The district has a
population of 6,22,506as per the census 2011, of which the male population is 2,91,081 and the
female population is 3,31,425. The population of this district forms nearly 6.15% of the state’s
population and more than 90% of this population resides in rural areas. Although the district’s
decadal population change is -1.63%, but for rural population it is -4.20% clearly indicating that the
rural population is migrating towards the urban centers.
The rate of change in rural population is -21.78 % in Bhikyasen block followed by Syalde at
-9.17%, Sult -8.85% and Chaukhutia -6.08% between 2001 and 2011. On the other hand the change
of rural population in Lamgara block was 10.18% while the urban population of the district showed
an increase by about 25 % during this period.
The age group of 20-49 years constitute about 38% of the total population. This is the
working population and has migrated to the urban centers of the state, country or abroad for better
opportunities in livelihood, education, health etc. The population of the age group below 20 years is
41.42% of the total population and this portion of the population is probably the coming generation
of the migrants from the district in the near future, if the present socio-economic conditions are not
improved.
It has been reported in the HDR 2018 that the district has 30.70% of the population below
poverty line as against the state average of 15.60%.
63
Per capita income of Almora district is estimated Rs.60,550 in year 2011-12, Rs.70,056 in
year 2012-13, Rs.79,866 in year 2013-14, Rs.80,512 in year 2014-15, Rs.86,961 for year 2015-
16RE & is provisionally estimated Rs.96,786 for the year 2016-17PE. In terms of percentage
growth, per capita NDDP at current price or per capita income increased by 15.70% in year 2012-
13, 14.00% in year 2013-14, 0.81% in year 2014-15, 8.01% in year 2015-16RE and 11.30% in the
year 2016-17 with respect to previous year respectively. The per capita income of the district for
2016-17 is Rs.96,786, whereas for Hardwar it is Rs.2,54,050 i.e. more than 2.5 times that of district
Almora.
The district has a literacy rate of 80.47%, wherein the male and female literacy is 92.86%
and 69.93% respectively. Within the district, Blocks Hawalbagh and Tarikhet have maximum
literacy rate of 83.69% and 83.36% respectively. Block Tarikhet and Hawalbagh have no
Polytechnic Institute, Block Syalde and Chaukhutiya do have Polytechnic Institutes but are non-
functional as there is no student intake. In the entire district out of 748 polytechnic seats offered
only 441 seats are filled i.e. 58.95%. For ITIs also out of 1764 seats offered only 856 are filled, i.e.
48.52%. These institutes are functioning far below their capacity and efficiency.
In the last 10 years, a total of 53,611 persons from1022 gram panchayats have migrated on a
semi-permanent basis, though they come to their homes in the villages from time to time and have
not migrated permanently. In the last 10 years, there are 16,207 permanent migrants from 646 gram
panchayats. Data indicates that there are more semi-permanent migrants than permanent migrants in
all districts of the state. More than 42% of the migrants are between age of 26 to 35 years.
65
laborers. There should be a policy offering land entitlement to female farmers too. This will
ensure females to raise farm credit from institutional sources. There should be focus on
involving women folk in socio-economic growth. This will also help in reducing their
drudgery.
5.1.9 Growth centers: The Uttarakhand government has recently adopted a process for facilitating
growth centers. Development of the socio-economy of the rural areas in the district needs to
be dove tailed with the development of growth centers. In the likes of Farmer Producers’
Company (FPOs), farmer interest groups must be promoted so as to produce marketable
surplus and have access to extra income. The nearest Mandi and Railway Station is just 3 hrs
away for the farmers to market off season vegetables, fruits and other farm produce.
5.1.10 District policy; strategy and approach for strengthening the rural economy: District
Magistrate and Chief Development Officer need to play a leading role in planning and
implementing strategies for boosting the rural economy of the district. The district should
prepare a district policy and strategy for boosting the rural economy and implement it over
the next 10 years.
5.2 SECTOR SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
5.2.1- Rural development
Many departments and schemes are involved in rural development in this district. Rural
development is being taken up through a number of schemes/ programmes of the rural development
department; watershed directorate and JICA funded project under the auspices of the state forest
department. These include the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MANREGA);
AJEEVIKA (Rural Livelihood); Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna; Pradhan Mantri Avas Yojna;
Integrated Watershed Development Project and JICA funded project.
A total of 983 SHG’s have been set up in the district, of which 428 are new; 462 have been
revived and 93 are pre-NRLM. However, the block wise distribution of SHG’s is not uniform with
Takula block having having 287; Lamgara 142 and on the other hand Sult, Syaldey and Bhkyasen
have 44 SHG’s which is too few. There are no new SHG’s in Sult; Bhikyasen; Bhasiachana;
Chaukhutia and Tarikhet. However, these are being covered under GRAMYA
During 2017-18 the number of person days generated under MANREGA was 14.14 lakhs as
against 11.77 lakhs in 2016-17. This indicates a continuing dependence of rural labor on
MANREGA. About 55% of the person days was accounted for by women.
The following recommendations are made for strengthening rural development leading to
enhanced socio-economic development in the rural areas of the district:
66
a- Those blocks where there is relatively less progress in schemes for rural development need
to be identified and focused on. These include Sult; Syalde; Bhikyasain and Bhasiachana
b- The number of SHGs may be increased substantially to the level of Takula as this activity
helps to boost the local socio-economy. It also focuses on women as MANREGA data
shows that about 55% person days are accounted for by women.
c- Some SHGs of Lamgara block are preparing Take Home Rations and supplying to other
blocks as well. This could be replicated across the district and if successful, in other parts of
the state as well.
d- MANREGA needs to focus more on generating self-employment to the local labor.
e- Coverage of Vulnerable groups under GRAMYA also needs to be enhanced from the current
level of 63, as this intervention is supporting the economically poor groups.
f- Plans based on generating livelihoods need to be drawn up for each block and sub plans for
the panchayat level. Implementation of these plans could be done through existing schemes
of the rural development and other departments.
g- There is a shortage of field staff in the rural development department and some of Village
Development Officers are responsible for covering more than 25 gram panchayats many of
which are remote and difficult to reach. This issue needs to be addressed immediately.
5.2.2- Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people living in the rural areas of the district,
though its contribution to GSDP has declined from 31% in 2011-12 to 21% in 2016-17. Out of total
geographical area of 3,139 sq. km only 17.11% is the cultivable land. Major crops like Mandua,
paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds etc. are cultivated in the district. Sera (valleys) of Dwarahat,
Chaukhutiya, and Takula are very fertile and have good production and area under cultivation. The
farmers of these blocks must be promoted for seed production, which has a better market value.
More than 75% of the farmers are marginal farmers, having less than 1.00 Hectare and more
than 95% of land-holdings are less than 2.00 Hectare. Further, the larger land-holdings i.e. more
than 2.00 Hectare are decreasing and getting distributed into the smaller ones.
Due to the hilly terrain large scale irrigation is not possible but still the valley parts of the
districts are being irrigated by connecting rivers canals. Only about 5751.00 Hectare of area is under
irrigation in the district. Bulk of the agriculture is dependent on rains. Other than water scarcity, the
farmers are facing problems with wild animals like monkeys, wild boars etc. As a result of which
there is a dismal interest in agriculture amongst the farmers of the district.
Crops like Wheat and Mandua have the largest area under cultivation i.e. 33% and 31%
respectively, followed by Paddy at 16%. In oilseeds, Soybean, Mustard, and Sesame are the crops.
Sult and Dwarahat have significantly larger area under different crops than that of other blocks.
67
The net sown area in the district has remained almost the same at around 78000 ha.in 2013-
14; 2014-15 and 2015-16. The gross sown area has also remained more or less constant at about
111500 ha. during this period. During this period the area under paddy has increased from 15597
ha. to 17526 ha.; Barely from 2490 to 2790 ha. while it has remained constant for wheat and
decreased for potato. However, the productivity for paddy and wheat has decreased.
Vegetables are being raised by farmers on a sufficiently large scale in blocks like Lamgarah
and there is need for developing a market linkage. At present, most of the vegetable produced is
being taken to mandis at Haldwani from where it is brought back to the consumption centers like
Nainital and Almora at a much higher price. Thus, producers are not able to get sufficient
remuneration for their produce.
The following recommendations are made for boosting growth in the agriculture sector in
the district:
68
5.2.3- Horticulture
Almora is a hill district, having a pleasant climate for fruits and vegetables, nearly 24,174
Hectare area is under Horticulture. The major horticulture crops in fruits are: Apple, Pear, Peach,
Plum, Apricot, Walnut, Mango, and Citrus; whereas in vegetables: Pea, Beans, Cole crops, Okra,
Tomato etc. are prominent crops. Out of three orchards, there is only one orchard in Dwarahat and
the other two are in Dhauladevi. Other blocks do not have a single orchard. There are two fruit-
processing units in Tarikhet and one each in block Bhikiyasain, Dwarahat, Takula, and Hawalbagh.
The area under horticulture has remained more or less constant.
Data shows that Mango and Citrus fruits have the maximum area under cultivation, while
Pear has the maximum production followed Citrus fruits. There is only one cold storage in the
district in Block Hawalbagh which is not functional.
The following recommendations are made for strengthening the horticulture sector in
Almora district:
a- The area under horticulture and the production of main fruits like apple, pear, peach, plum,
apricot, walnut, citrus and mango have remained more or less constant in 2014-15; 2015-16
and 2016-17. The area under fruit crops needs to be increased as there are large patches of
cultivable lands available in many blocks like Syalde, Bhikyasen and Sult.
b- The number of fruit nurseries in the district is only 8,( 2016-17) which clearly shows that
fruit planting material is coming from outside the district. Local entrepreneurs may be
encouraged for establishing private nurseries for the production of quality planting material,
as this will help to generate livelihoods.
c- The number of fruit processing units is only 6(2016-17) and this has remained constant over
the last three years since 2014-15. Private entrepreneurs can be encouraged to set up
processing units based on the availability of fruits in different seasons.
d- Small poly-houses for vegetables are popular and their numbers needs to be increased.
e- The horticulture department needs to prepare a Horticulture development plan for the district
taking into account the existing fruit production; quality (including variety); marketing and
point out the gaps. Integrated horticulture development at each block should be the focus
which takes into all aspects from quality planting material for the right variety/ species to
suitable package of practices to processing and marketing.
5.2.4- Medicinal and Aromatic plants
Medicinal and Aromatic (MAP) are being promoted through the horticulture department,
involving plantations in clusters; extraction of essential oils and training programmes. These
clusters cover 52 villages in about 6 blocks and the activity has been underway in the district since
2000.
69
The following recommendations are being made for strengthening this sector which can
contribute in enhancing the rural socio-economy, thereby mitigating out-migration:
a- The variety of MAP species can easily be increased as at present the focus is only on
tezpaat; sarpgandha and badielaichi. Diversity in species, increase in area and number of
villages / clusters covered needs to be substantially increased for generating additional
income for rural families.
b- Promotion of MAP should be the focus in all the blocks as at present it is underway in some
pockets of 6 blocks. This activity would also contribute to the wellness of the community by
generating raw materials for the Ayurveda industry.
c- This activity is better done through a separate agency like the State Medicinal Plants Board
rather than being with the horticulture department, where it loses focus due to the many
other programmes being implemented by the department.
5.2.5- Dairying and animal husbandry
Animal husbandry is a major source of supplementary income for the people living in the
rural areas of the district. Between 2003 and 2012, the number of cows and buffaloes and sheep has
decreased while the number of goats, horse/pony, pigs and poultry has increased. The number of
goats and poultry is more in blocks like Tarikhet, Sult, Hwalbagh, Dhauladevi and Bhasiyachana.
This indicates that there is more consumption of meat and eggs in these blocks and in the nearby
urban areas.
There is one Poultry unit, with 1000 birds’ capacity in Hawalbagh block. Almora also has a
Milk Union Federation having 20,000 litres collection per day. The federation has 240 milk
societies with 15,832 milk producers. They earn supplementary income by selling milk. There are
also dairies which produce milk and sell to the nearest towns like Ranikhet and Almora.
The recommendations for enhancing dairying and animal husbandry in the district are:
a- Milk production is a supplementary source of income for most families, though for it to
become the main source of income for as many families as possible the quality of livestock
needs to be improved. More AI centers can be opened in all the blocks.
b- Milk producers can be given training in processing of their produce into cottage cheese and
ghee for better returns.
c- Goat rearing and poultry rearing is being practiced in many gram panchayats and this can be
up scaled for generating additional livelihoods. The breed of goats needs to be improved
across the district as this activity has the potential to substantially enhance incomes.
d- This department too is facing a shortage of staff which needs to be augmented for
strengthening the sector.
70
5.2.6 Tea
There are tea estates of the Uttarakhand Tea Board in 3 blocks of the district- Dhaula Devi;
Takula and Chaukhutia covering a total area of 306 hectares and providing employment to about
1677 persons. There are other places identified by the Tea Board in the District Almora for Tea
plantation viz. Bhaisiachana, Bhikiyasain, Hawalbagh, Lamgada, and Syaldey. As of now the total
production is small and due to the unavailability of processing centre/plant in the district, the
present production is being sent to Kausani (Bageshwar) factory for processing. In the coming years
there is a proposal of setting up a Tea factory in Block Dhauladevi and thus encouraging Tea
Tourism too.
Tea gardens are established on lands taken on lease from local farmers, with lease rent
payable after 7 to 8 years
The following recommendations are made for strengthening rural tourism in the district:
a- There is an immense potential for development of nature based tourism (eco-tourism).
Specific destination and circuit based sub-plans for eco-tourism may be developed, with
focus on participation of local communities in eco-tourism so that the benefits may flow to
them.
b- A district tourism development plan may be formulated which would identify different
destinations at the block level, adding up to a broad plan for the entire district. This should
also identify livelihood opportunities and converge with the capacity building programmes
under different schemes.
c- Recently the state government has launched an ambitious plan for promoting home stays.
Data suggests that the existing hose stays in the district are too less and concentrated in only
Hawalbagh. These can easily be extended to other parts of the district. The homestays need
support in the form of capacity building and also IT for website development and
management.
71
d- Local festivals like Almora Ramlila can be publicized and used for attracting more number
of tourists.
e- The tourism department is functioning with a skeleton staff and needs urgent augmentation.
Homestay has come up with a great source of alternate income to the villagers. Homestays
located in the villages are attracting not only foreign tourists but also gathered a pace in domestic
tourists in the recent past.
i. Tourists generally don’t prefer to walk/climb a mile to stay in Homestays, there is need of
connecting villages with motorable roads for the convenience of the incoming tourists.
ii. There is a drinking water problem in the Almora town. Homestay owners have to, many a
times, re-direct tourists to some other homestays.
iii. Homestay is a non-commercial activity, but the owners have to pay commercial rates for
electricity, water, and house tax.
iv. There is a need of providing training to the homestays owners in terms of hospitality.
v. Due to the shortage of staff in Tourism Department, there is a substantial delay in homestay
registration and other services.
vi. Where there are several homestays in an area, there should be forest trails, trekking routes,
and other facilities must be developed.
5.2.8 Micro, Small and Medium industries
There are 3949 industrial units in the district, employing about 10795 persons (2017-18).
The number of MME’s was 164 in 2016-17 which increased to 184 in 2017-18 employing 523 and
613 persons respectively. These are more in Hawalbagh and Tarikhet blocks while being too few in
Syalde and Sult blocks. The district has an Industrial Estate under SIIDUL (State Infrastructure and
Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.) at Marchula which is yet to take off.
There are a number of artisan clusters, mainly in the textile sector engaged in wool weaving;
wool wrap; carpets and utility items.
The recommendations for strengthening the MSME sector in the district are:
a- The MSME sector has a high potential for transforming the socio-economy of the rural areas
of the district. The types of micro, small and artisan units which have come up in relatively
large numbers include agro-based readymade garments/ embroidery; wood/wood based
furniture and repairing and servicing units. However, their distribution is not uniform across
all the blocks of the district. The potential for such units in each blocks can be examined and
they may be promoted as this would boost the block/ gram panchayat level socio-economy.
72
b- The authorities responsible for promoting the growth of this sector need to prepare a block
wise plan for the development of micro, small and artisan units considering the local
conditions.
c- Data shows that development of MSMEs is lacking or almost negligible in some blocks of
the district. Special attention needs to be paid for expanding micro and small enterprises and
artisan units in all blocks.
d- Capacity building programmes in the district should also be in tune with the requirements of
this plan for development of micro, small and artisan units in the district.
e- There is shortage of field staff engaged in promotion of micro, small and artisan units in the
district. This issue needs to be addressed on urgent basis. The KVIB is functioning with only
3 persons, even though this sector has immense potential for growth.
f- There is a local wool processing factory at Almora where staff and marketing is a huge
problem. This needs to be rectified.
g- Entrepreneurship development programmes may be conducted and handholding of
entrepreneurs done particularly in gram panchayats where such units are lacking.
5.2.9 Commercial vehicles
Data shows that the number of registered vehicles in the district is increasing. These are
helping to generate livelihoods. However, during discussions with stakeholders it has been borne
out that many of them are facing problems with repayment and underutilization of capacity.
This sector has the potential for generate additional livelihoods and an action plan needs to
be prepared for supporting it. The RTO may lead this initiative.
73