Economy of District Kullu | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

The district of Kullu, located in Himachal Pradesh, India, has a vibrant economy primarily driven by agriculture and various other sectors such as horticulture, tea cultivation, fisheries, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and tourism. Each of these sectors plays a crucial role in the district's economic development and cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed look into these sectors:

Agriculture

• Economic Significance: Agriculture forms the backbone of Kullu's economy, with over 80% of the local workforce engaged in farming activities.
• Medicinal Herbs: The forests in Kullu are rich in medicinal herbs including Karu, Dhoop, Muswala, and Kakar Singi, which are valuable for their therapeutic properties.
• Seed Production: The Cereal Seed Multiplication Farm in Sainj is managed by the National Seed Corporation, contributing to the production and availability of quality cereal seeds.
• Potato Development: Potato cultivation is supported by development stations located in Hamta and Kuna (Manali), focusing on enhancing potato production.
• Herb Oil and Fruit Preservation: Units in Katrain, Shamshi, and Banjar are dedicated to extracting oil from herbs and preserving fruits, adding value to local produce.

Horticulture

• Research Stations: The Regional Horticulture Research Station at Bajaura, under Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, focuses on horticultural research and development.
• Vegetable Research: The vegetable research station at Katrain, operated by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, works on improving vegetable crops.
• Apple Orchards:
  • Historical Development: The first apple orchard was planted in 1870 by Captain RC Lee at Bundrloe near Kullu using plants from the UK. Locally, Padha Bansi Lal from Seobagh was the first to establish an apple orchard.
  • Manali's Contribution: In 1884, Captain A. T. Banon planted an orchard of English apple varieties in Manali.

Tea Cultivation

• Recognition: At the 1866 Lahore Exhibition, Kullu tea was awarded as the best black tea in India.
• Tea Gardens: Tea cultivation is prominent in areas like Bajaura, Naggar, and Raison, which are known for their tea gardens.

Fisheries

• Trout Fishing: Trout, introduced in 1909 by G.C.L. Hovel and General Orborn, has become a popular fish in the Beas River and its tributaries.
• Hatcheries: A hatchery was established in Chhaki Nalla near Naggar, and subsequent hatcheries were set up in Sujjain Nalla (1941) and Patli Kuhl (1943).
• Other Fish Species: Besides trout, Himalayan Barbel and Gurgoli are also found in the region's rivers.

Animal Husbandry

• Livestock: Livestock farming is integral to local income, with households keeping cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, wool, and manure.
• Sheep Breeding:
  • Varieties: Exotic sheep breeds like Russian Marina and Rambouillet produce high-quality wool.
  • Breeding Farms: The sheep breeding farm at Nagwain was started in 1963 under an Indo-German project, while a private Angora rearing farm was established in Mohal in 1964.
• Fur Animals: The Fur Animal Division in Gorsha/Gursha focuses on fur production.
• Angora Wool and Mineral Water: Angora wool production and mineral water extraction are conducted in Kalath (Kullu).

Handicrafts

Shawls: Kullu is renowned for its shawls, including:

• Plain Shawls: Known locally as ‘Loi’, these are made from both homespun and imported yarn.
• Designed Shawls: The ‘Phulwali’ shawls feature intricate designs and are a more recent development.

Other Handicrafts:

• Pattoos and Tweed Cloth: Pattoos are used for making coats and caps. ‘Patti’, a type of tweed cloth, is used for similar purposes.
• Kullu Caps: Made from colored woolen cloth with decorative bands.
• Pullans: Woolen footwear resembling bedroom slippers.
• Dohru: Thick, soft blankets used for beds.
• Pattoos for Dress: Fine woolen pattoos with colored stripes are worn as traditional dresses by rural women.

Bhutti Weavers Cooperative Society:

• Foundation: Established on December 18, 1944, by a group of weavers in Lug Valley, the society initially struggled until Mr. Ved Ram Thakur revitalized it in 1956.
• Impact: Under Thakur's leadership, the society flourished and provided employment to over 1000 weaver families, significantly contributing to the local economy.

Tourism

• Economic Role: Tourism is a critical sector for Kullu, recognized for its potential to drive economic growth through its diverse natural and cultural attractions.
• Infrastructure Development: The district has prioritized tourism by developing infrastructure such as roads, public utilities, and transport facilities.
• Airport and Connectivity: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu Manali Airport) offers the only air connection in the district. Although there are no direct railway connections, regular bus services are available, with the nearest railway station at Jogindarnagar, 130 km away.

Famous Temples in Kullu

• Mahishasurmardani: Located in Bajaura.
• Hidimba Devi: Situated in Manali.
• Vishveshwar: Found in Bajaura.
• Gauri Shankar: Located in Naggar.
• Tripura Sundri Devi: Also in Naggar.
• Sandya Devi: Found in Jagat Sukh.
• Parshu Ram: Located in Nirmand.
• Doca-Moca: Situated in Gajan.