Nestled in the high Himalayas of north Kashmir, Gurez Valley has long been admired for its spectacular landscapes, pristine environment and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its scenic appeal, the valley possesses a less visible but highly valuable resource, an abundance of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). With increasing global preference for herbal medicines, natural health products and plant-based remedies, Gurez is steadily gaining importance as a potential hub for MAP-driven livelihood generation.
A natural storehouse of medicinal wealth
The distinct agro-climatic conditions of Gurez , cool summers, prolonged winters and vast alpine and subalpine meadows favour the growth of a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plant species. Forests and grasslands across the valley host several high-value herbs traditionally used for treating ailments, enhancing nutrition and supporting livestock health. Species such as Artemisia, Kutki, Sheetkhar, Kuth, mushkbala, yarrow etc are well known for their therapeutic, aromatic and culinary properties. For generations, local inhabitants have relied on these plants as part of their traditional healthcare system. Knowledge related to identification, harvesting time, drying methods and usage has been preserved through oral traditions, forming a strong base for developing an organised medicinal plant sector rooted in indigenous wisdom.
Livelihood opportunities in a changing market
The rapid expansion of the herbal and wellness industry has created fresh economic opportunities for Himalayan regions. Medicinal and aromatic plants often offer higher returns compared to conventional crops, even when cultivated on small landholdings. For Gurez, where harsh climatic conditions restrict agricultural choices, MAPs provide a promising alternative for income diversification. MAP-based livelihoods extend beyond cultivation alone. Sustainable wild collection, nursery raising, drying, grading, packaging and basic processing generate employment at multiple stages. When supported with proper training and market access, these activities can significantly improve household incomes and strengthen rural resilience.
Empowering women and engaging youth
The MAP sector is particularly suitable for inclusive development. Many activities related to medicinal plants can be carried out near households and require limited physical infrastructure. Women can play a leading role through self-help groups managing nurseries, drying units and small processing centres, enabling financial independence and social empowerment. Youth involvement adds further momentum. With skills in entrepreneurship, quality control and digital marketing, young people can connect local produce with regional and national markets. Such engagement helps curb migration by creating sustainable employment opportunities within the valley.
Value addition and allied enterprises
Greater economic gains can be achieved through value addition. Raw medicinal plant material fetches limited returns, while simple processing and proper packaging substantially enhance market value. Herbal teas, dried herbs, spice blends and essential oils produced locally can open new income streams. Allied enterprises such as beekeeping integrate naturally with medicinal plant cultivation. Gurez’s rich floral diversity supports quality honey production, while pollination improves crop yields. Together, these activities form a diversified and resilient livelihood system.
KVK Gurez driving structured interventions
A significant institutional push to harness this potential is being provided by KVK Gurez under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir. Acting on the directions of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and the Worthy Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, KVK Gurez has taken up focused initiatives to promote medicinal and aromatic plants as a viable livelihood sector. The KVK is developing an in-house medicinal and aromatic plants germplasm bank at to conserve high-value species and serve as a demonstration and learning centre. Scientific evaluation of propagation methods, nursery techniques and cultivation practices suited to local conditions is being carried out to provide location-specific guidance to farmers. Simultaneously, systematic documentation of ethnobotany and traditional uses of medicinal plants across Gurez Valley has been initiated to preserve indigenous knowledge and integrate it with scientific understanding. Regular capacity-building and training programmes on sustainable harvesting, cultivation, post-harvest management and value addition are empowering farmers, women and youth to adopt MAP-based enterprises responsibly.
Sustainability at the core
While economic prospects are encouraging, unregulated harvesting poses a threat to fragile alpine ecosystems. Many medicinal plants are slow-growing and vulnerable to overexploitation. Sustainable management, therefore, remains essential. Community-based conservation, regulated harvesting and promotion of cultivation can ensure long-term availability of resources. Linking conservation with livelihood benefits encourages local communities to become active custodians of biodiversity.
A promising future
With its rich biodiversity, strong traditional knowledge base and growing institutional support, Gurez Valley is well positioned to emerge as a recognised centre for medicinal and aromatic plants. If development efforts continue in a coordinated and sustainable manner, MAP-based enterprises can provide stable incomes, empower women and youth, and conserve the valley’s unique Himalayan ecosystems. In doing so, Gurez can set an example of how nature-based livelihoods, when carefully managed, can transform remote mountain regions into models of sustainable rural development.
(Dr Jauhar Rafeeq is working as Jr. Scientist Agroforestry at KVK Gurez SKUAST-K while as Dr Hilal Ahmad Malik is working as Senior Scientist cum Head KVK/MARES Gurez SKUAST-K)
