Kuth Cultivation in Lahaul and its Future

Abstract

Kuth grows naturally in forests of Kashmir while in Lahaul it was first introduced in 1923 from Kashmir and since then it has been the most important cash crop in the valley. On account of suitable soil conditions and irrigation facilities Kuth grows well in all parts of Lahaul below 10,000 feet. Cultivation is not a difficult matter and is now well understood by the people. The main market for Kuth lies in China and due to Civil War there, the market is very dull and consequently the cultivation of Kuth and people's economy in Lahaul has received a serious set-back. It is now for our trade agents in China to come to people's rescue and guide them on the matter. Fearing that Kuth cultivation may have to be abondoned ultimately the Forest Department has already commenced work on providing substitutes in Ephedra and Artemesia to Lahaul people.The original home of Kuth is Kashmir where it grows wild in the forests and is a monopoly of the State. In Lahaul unlike Kashmir it is an agricultural crop and was introduced about 25 years ago.