Entrepreneurial aspects of Rhododendron products in Uttarakhand regions: A review

Abstract

Buransh is a perineal tree that is especially found in hilly areas. Buransh is hard to grow commercially because it is only found in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and the northeastern states of India. These trees are the center of attraction in the region due to their different flower color and these flowers are utilized to prepare natural colors and value-added products like juice, squash, etc. It has also been observed in many researches that various products are made using the flowers and bark of this tree which help to cure several diseases. Hilly areas have limited sources of income because of several natural and climatic challenges faced by residing people including uncertain rainfall, and snowfall which creates limitations for livelihood. Because of its potential for economic growth and development of the rural sector within the hill region, Buransh might be an environmentally sustainable approach to empower women as a source of income residing therein. The cultivation practices of Buransh fulfill the aims of the task force constituted by the Planning Commission of India in 2008, which ensured towards protection of peculiarities of hilly regions and maintaining the balance between natural resources with the parallel developmental aspirations of local peoples. The processing of buransh mostly involves no alteration in the natural environment, as well as making of its products does not have any external costs. In this review, we will discuss the various uses of buransh in a way of entrepreneurship and women empowerment.