Anardana (dehydrated wild pomegranate arils) as livelihood option for rural communities in Chenab valley of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

The study was conducted in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir to document present status, scope and socio-economic profile of the families involved in the collection and trade of anardana (Punica granatum L. ‘Dhruni’) towards better livelihood options for the rural communities. A random survey of Ganote, Dharam, Gool, Farmoot, Sangaldan, Gundi, Maha kund, and Chaderkot revealed that each household in these areas collects 400-500 kg of dried seed, with per household annual collection touching about 550-625 kg in Kanga and Parmote villages of Ramban. Study also revealed that the annual income from anardana was highest in Kanga village (Rs. 2,85,900/ ha) with 57.19% contribution to total household income, while it was lowest in Ganote Rs. 1,76,500/ ha (41.11%). However, its commercial potential is yet to be tapped. Good ‘anardana’ fetches a price ranging between Rs. 300 to 400 per kg at village level, where the local commission agents working on behalf of traders at Jammu, Amritsar or Delhi procure in bulk. Some produce from nearby areas is also brought to Ramban market where it is sold in open auction. It was found that in addition to fulfilling the domestic needs, each household engaged in collection of ‘anardana’ adds an average of Rs. 60,000 to their annual income.