From Valleys to Virtual Markets: How Lahaul’s Farmers Are Reaping the Fruits of Change

In the serene valleys of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking root. Farmers in the tribal region of Lahaul-Spiti are not just growing crops—they’re cultivating opportunity. With advanced farming techniques and a focus on exotic vegetables like broccoli, iceberg lettuce, and leafy greens, these farmers are stepping into a new era of agriculture.

But growing high-value produce is only half the battle. Finding the right market has often been a challenge, with middlemen eating into profits and access to buyers limited. That’s changing now.

Thanks to a new BigBasket collection center—set up by the Tata Group—farmers in Lahaul can now sell their produce directly, cutting out intermediaries and earning fair prices. This is the third such center in Himachal, following Shimla and Solan, and it’s already making waves.

Local farmers like Govind, Surendra, and Dharampal are among the first to register, sharing their bank details so payments can be made directly to their accounts. “We’ll finally get the true value of our hard work,” they say, relieved to be free from the grip of middlemen.

With around 700 hectares under cultivation—350 for cauliflower alone—the valley is buzzing with activity. Prices are promising too: ₹70/kg for broccoli, ₹65 for iceberg, and ₹45 for leafy greens. And with BigBasket’s online reach, these vegetables will soon be gracing tables in cities across India.

The Atal Tunnel has already opened up the region to year-round transport. Now, this collection center is opening doors to a more sustainable and profitable future for Lahaul’s farmers.

As Abhijeet Garg, BigBasket’s regional head, puts it: “This isn’t just about buying vegetables. It’s about building a bridge between quality produce and quality markets.”