Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh

agriculture in Himachal Pradesh

Introduction:

Himachal Pradesh describe by the ancients as “DevBhoomi” (Abode of the Gods), is situated in the heart of the Himalayas in the northern part of India. It has a geographical area of 55.67 lakh hectrares by professional surveys. Most of which is under forests, pastures and grazing lands. Less than ten per cent (5.6 lakh hectares) of the state’s net area is under cultivation. The state has a large range of Mountains and valleys rising from 350 meters to 7000 meters above mean sea level. Its Climate ranges from sub-tropical to sub-arctic cold with an annual rainfall of 350 millimeters to 3800 millimeters. Its temperatures vary from -25 C to 42 C. The state has snow fed parts. In addition, there are some natural lakes. The topography, Soil, climate, rainfall and temperature provide the state with wide opportunities and potential for agriculture and Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture.

Due to its hilly terrain, the economy of the state is predominantly Mixed Farming, agro-pastoral, silvi-pastoral and agro-horticultural. Most of the group based Farming Systems, engaging a majority of the farmers are found in the valleys of Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, ChanderaBhaga and their tributaries. Agriculture accounts for over 30 per cent of the state’s net domestic product and provides EMPLOYMENT to about 71 per cent of its residents. The annual Growth rate of the state during 1999-2000 was 5.8 per cent against India’s 6.4 per cent. Earlier, during the Eighth Plan the annual growth rate of the state was 6.3 per cent. The state enjoys the special category status and thus gets special funds from the centre for its development activities.

Main Crops of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh:

Agriculture contributes over 45% to the net state domestic product. It is the main Source Of Income and employment in Himachal. Over 93% of the Population in Himachal depend directly upon agriculture which provides direct employment to 71% of its people.

The entire population of the state more or less depends directly upon the Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh. The major portion of the revenue earning in the state’s economy is carried out by the Cash Crops in theAgriculture in Himachal Pradesh. The chief Food Crops cultivated in Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh include wheat, maize, rice, barley, seed-potato, ginger, vegetables, vegetable seeds, mushrooms, chicory seeds, hops, olives, and fig. Himachal Pradesh is also known as the ‘Apple State of India’ for its large-scale production of fruits. Farmers have engaged themselves highly in the fruit cultivation and it is also a great blessing to the economy of the state. Some very important factors that has led to the outstanding development in the Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh are an efficient Irrigation system, accessibility of low-cost cargo, and Marketing facilities structured in an organized form.

However Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh suffers from certain limitations, especially in the production of food grains. One of the reasons is that the area under cultivation cannot be extended to any appreciable extent. Reclamation of land on slopes of hills for cultivation of food grains is neither economical nor beneficial. The farmers can profit more by raising cash crops suited to the agro-climatic conditions. Another reason is that reclamation of land from the hills increases the menace of soil erosion.

Terrace Farming of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh

The main Cereals grown are wheat, maize, rice and barley. Kangra, Mandi district and to some extent Paonta valley of Sirmur district are the major producers of the 1st three cereals, while barley is mostly grown in Shimla district. Although the state is deficit in food grains, it has gained tremendously in other spheres of agricultural production such as seed-potato, ginger, vegetables, vegetable seeds, mushrooms, chicory seeds, hops, olives and fig especially vegetables and seed potato which is disease free and good quality are providing a good source of income to the farmers. Seed-potato is mostly grown in Shimla, Kulu and Lahaul areas.

Fruit Cultivation of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh:

Fruit cultivation is another field which has proved to be an economic boon to the farmers. There are vast tracts of land in Himachal suitable only for growing fruits. Fruit cultivation does not add to the problem of soil erosion and its employment potential is much more than that of conventional farming. The yield per acre in terms of Money is also much higher. Apples yield the maximum income. Fruit growing in Himachal is presently fetching over Rs.300 crore annually. Special efforts are being made to promote cultivation of new crops like olives, figs, hops, mushrooms, flowers, pistachio nuts, sarda melon and saffron. Himachal has earned the name of the ‘Apple State of India’.

Reforms:

The agrarian reforms undertaken in the state by the government has also helped a great deal in the advancement in agriculture. In 1954, revolutionary Land reforms legislation, the Himachal Pradesh (H.P) Abolition of Big Landed Estates and Land Reforms Act was enacted. This Act took away land beyond a certain limit from big landlords and erstwhile rulers and transferred these to tenants on payment of compensation amounting to 24 times of the land revenue paid on the land. In 1972, the H.P ceiling on hand Holding Act was passed which had the land ceiling fixed on various kinds of lands and tenants could not be evicted. It also directed that every agricultural family must be given at least five bighas of land. As a result of these measures, 2500 big landed estates were abolished and as area of about one lakh acres was declared surplus and distributed to the landless. In 1974, H.P Village Common Land Vestment and Utilization Act was passed to enable the government, to give sham let lands to the landless. Under these aggression reforms, out of about 5 lakh agricultural families, about 4.5 lakh families have become land owners.

The main sources of irrigation are Kuhls (small water channels) fed from perennial or seasonal springs. Well irrigation is possible in some areas near the plains. Lift irrigation is another source of irrigation. Efforts have been made to improve irrigation facilities since the beginning of the Five Year Plans and about 1.60 lakh hectares have been provided with it so far.

Availability of cheap credit, organization of marketing facilities and provision of agricultural inputs are very important for the development of agriculture. Besides governmental agencies, co-operative societies are the only agencies which perform some of these functions. Co-operative societies numbering around 3841, cover about 93% of rural population. Some agricultural societies provide short and medium term credit facilities to their members. Other functions of the co-operatives, is the mobilization of deposits and the marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce. They also play a vital role in the Public Distribution System and are running a lot of fair piece shops in the state.

Jobs

Agriculture sector has got big boost in Himachal Pradesh during the last four years as it is the mainstay of the people. This sector alone has provided direct employment to around 71 percent population of the state.Having allocated 12 per cent of its plan Resources for agriculture and allied sectors, which is highest in the country, now State Government is promoting Organic Farming in a big way.

State governments is giving big boost to organic farming as at present 25,000 farmers are engaged in organic farming while four lakh vermi-compost units have been set up. 7200 metric tonne improved seeds, 29,500 metric tonne Fertilizers, 10 metric tonne organic manure, 45 metric tonne medicines and 50,000 improved agriculture implements are being distributed to the farmers.

Agriculture sector contributes nearly 30 percent of the total state domestic product. While apple economy is confined only to upper areas of Himachal Pradesh, people in the lower areas were not having much Options apart from sowing traditional crops but with the introduction of organic farming now they too have good income from their fields like apple growers of upper areas.,

Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh is a major contributor to the state’s economy. The state is home to a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, and pulses. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the state’s employment sector.

The climate in Himachal Pradesh is ideal for agriculture. The state receives an Average of 1,200 mm of rainfall per year, and the temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in winter to 30 degrees Celsius in summer. The state is also home to a number of rivers, which provide water for irrigation.

The main crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are rice, wheat, maize, barley, and pulses. Rice is the most important crop, accounting for about 40% of the state’s agricultural output. Wheat is the second most important crop, accounting for about 25% of the state’s agricultural output. Maize is the third most important crop, accounting for about 15% of the state’s agricultural output. Barley is the fourth most important crop, accounting for about 10% of the state’s agricultural output. Pulses are the fifth most important crop, accounting for about 10% of the state’s agricultural output.

Agriculture is also a major source of employment in Himachal Pradesh. About 60% of the state’s population is employed in agriculture. The main agricultural occupations are farming, Livestock rearing, and Forestry.

The government of Himachal Pradesh has been taking a number of steps to promote agriculture in the state. The government has been providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The government has also been providing loans to farmers at low interest rates. The government has also been providing training to farmers on modern agricultural practices.

Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh is facing a number of challenges. The main challenges are Climate Change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. Climate change is leading to changes in the rainfall pattern, which is affecting the growth of crops. Water scarcity is a major problem in the state, and it is affecting the irrigation of crops. Soil degradation is a major problem in the state, and it is affecting the productivity of land.

Despite the challenges, agriculture is still a major contributor to the economy of Himachal Pradesh. The government of Himachal Pradesh is taking a number of steps to promote agriculture in the state. The government is providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, loans to farmers at low interest rates, and training to farmers on modern agricultural practices.

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating Plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

What are the different types of agriculture?

There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:

Subsistence agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to meet the basic needs of the farmer and their family. It is often practiced in small-scale, family-run farms.
Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale. It is often practiced on large-scale farms that use modern technology and equipment.
Organic agriculture: This type of agriculture uses natural methods to grow crops and raise livestock. It does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Sustainable Agriculture: This type of agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It uses practices that protect the Environment and conserve resources.

What are the benefits of agriculture?

Agriculture provides many benefits, including:

Food: Agriculture is the primary source of food for humans and animals.
Fiber: Agriculture provides fibers for clothing, paper, and other products.
Fuel: Agriculture provides biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.
Jobs: Agriculture employs millions of people around the world.
Economic Development: Agriculture is a major driver of economic development in many countries.
Environmental protection: Agriculture can be used to protect the environment by conserving water, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife.

What are the challenges of agriculture?

Agriculture faces many challenges, including:

Climate change: Climate change is causing changes in weather patterns, which can make it difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock.
Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is becoming more severe due to climate change.
Soil erosion: Soil erosion is a major problem in many parts of the world, and it is caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and poor Farming practices.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops and livestock.
Market volatility: The prices of agricultural products can be volatile, which can make it difficult for farmers to make a profit.

What is the future of agriculture?

The future of agriculture is uncertain, but it is likely that the challenges that agriculture faces will become more severe. Climate change, water scarcity, soil erosion, pests and diseases, and market volatility are all likely to become more serious in the future. In order to address these challenges, agriculture will need to become more sustainable. This means using practices that protect the environment and conserve resources. It also means developing new technologies that can help farmers to produce more food with less land, water, and energy.

Which of the following is not a major crop grown in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Tea
Which of the following is the main source of irrigation in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Canals
(B) Tube wells
(C) Tanks
(D) Rainwater
Which of the following is the main livestock reared in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Sheep
(B) Goats
(C) Cattle
(D) Buffaloes
Which of the following is the main forest product of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Timber
(B) Bamboo
(C) Grass
(D) Medicinal plants
Which of the following is the main tourist attraction of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Hill stations
(B) Temples
(C) Wildlife sanctuaries
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the main language spoken in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Hindi
(B) Punjabi
(C) Pahari
(D) English
Which of the following is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Mandi
(D) Kullu
Which of the following is the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kamet
(C) Dhauladhar
(D) Kinnaur Kailash
Which of the following is the largest river in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Sutlej
(B) Beas
(C) Ravi
(D) Chenab
Which of the following is the main festival of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Dussehra
(B) Diwali
(C) Holi
(D) Baisakhi