Assessment of the Amaranthus (Ramdana) Value Chain and Market Potential in Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand for Sustainable Value Addition and Nutrition Security

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.113.13

Abstract:
Amaranthus (Amaranthus graecizans and Amaranthus caudatus L.), is a traditional climate-resilient crop grown in the hill areas of Uttarakhand and tribal plains and plateaus of Chhattisgarh. Amaranthus is a very nutritious crop and able to adapt to minimal input rainfed systems . However, it is underutilized and its consumption is mostly seasonal as part of traditional diets. The study focuses on the production, processing and marketing stages of the amaranthus value chain in the key production clusters of the two states. The study utilized a participatory mixed-methods approach including Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and secondary data analysis from key stakeholders and institutions. The study identified major restrictions relating to production efficiency, processing facilities and market linkages and also highlights prospects for value addition and increased market integration. Strengthening the amaranthus value chain can boost farmers’ income, promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and build climate-resilient livelihoods in Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. Amaranthus is essentially a traditional climate tolerant field crop farmed by hill and tribal populations in hill area of Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh State.

Keywords:
Value chain, Value addition, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

Article Info:
Received: 03 May 2026; Received in revised form: 01 Jun 2026; Accepted: 05 Jun 2026; Available online: 13 Jun 2026

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