Qualitative Reflexive Research for Bridging the Traditional Agricultural Practices with Contemporary Technological Upgradations in North-Western Himalayas

This study explores the challenges faced by farmers in the Garhwal Mandal region of Uttarkashi district in northwestern Himalayas, based on field visits and data collection conducted in 19-20 villages. Using qualitative research methodologies, we identified key issues such as technical difficulties, implementation and adaptation gaps, social challenges and policy-related problems. Our focus was on addressing technical difficulties through design innovation, enhancing traditional agricultural equipment to be more cost-effective, easy to maintain, and sustainable. This approach aims to foster self-reliance among local farmers, improve the sustainability of agriculture in the hilly regions, which may also reduce migration. Our findings highlight the need to integrate modern advancements into traditional techniques to make farming more viable and appealing for future generations. The strengthening of traditional agriculture equipment was decided to be based upon two important aspects: that the strength of the traditional practices should be maintained and further enhanced, and the abovementioned insight should direct the outcomes of reflexive qualitative research conducted in the Himalayan villages. Being problem identification research, the study had to be based on exploratory research design pursued through reflexive methodology