Uttarakhand: A State Rich in Plant Fibers

Abstract

A diverse range of natural fibers is produced in many countries providing an important source of income for farmers and local communities. With the UN declaring 2009 as the Year of Natural Fibres, for the state of Uttarakhand the development comes as a fillip to its efforts toward promoting the use of natural fibers. Some of the commercially important natural fibers found in Uttarakhand are obtained from Sisal, Agave, Bhimal, Hemp, Jute, and Nettle. This review article describes some of the fiber-yielding plants of North West Himalayas with special reference to Uttarakhand. Many of the natural fibers described have been traditionally used by the rural communities; some of the traditional processing techniques employed have been described along with other natural fiber plant species that have the potential to provide alternative employment opportunities. This review article aims to compile the record of fiber-yielding plants of Uttarakhand, which will lead to increase the contribution of fiber-yielding plants in the rural economy and ecosystem of the state for achieving sustainable socioeconomic development.

Keywords

• broussonetia papyrifera
• eulaliopsis binata
• giardinia diversifolia
• hibiscus cannabinus
• daphne cannabina
• cannabis sativa