Subscribe
In the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand, farming has traditionally leaned on wooden ploughs crafted from local trees, especially hardwood varieties found in nearby forests. While these tools have been an essential part of the region’s agrarian culture, their widespread use over generations has quietly contributed to deforestation.
As trees were routinely cut down to make ploughs and other implements, the fragile ecosystem — already vulnerable due to the steep slopes and unpredictable weather — began to feel the strain.
In response, a gradual shift toward iron ploughs has emerged, encouraged by both environmental awareness and the support of local NGOs and government schemes focused on sustainable farming.
The move to iron tools has proven to be more than just a conservation effort. Iron ploughs are far more durable and efficient, especially in Uttarakhand’s rocky soils.
They last longer and don't require the constant replacement that wooden ones do, which not only saves trees but also reduces the physical labour and resources needed by farmers.
However, the transition hasn’t been entirely seamless. Iron tools are costlier up front and need maintenance, which can be a hurdle for small farmers.
But despite these challenges, the growing use of iron ploughs represents a meaningful step toward balancing agriculture with forest preservation in a region where nature and farming are deeply intertwined.