Diversification in agriculture and allied activities, Land tenure and size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh
Out of the total geographical area of 55.67 lakh hectares in Himachal Pradesh the gross cropped area is about 9.51 lakh hectares. With a net area sown of approximately 5.38 lakh hectares, the Cropping intensity stands at 176.6%. About 81% of the total cultivated area in the state is rainfed with a gross irrigated area of 1.87 lakh hectare and net irrigated area of 1.06 lakh hectares. Consumption of Fertilizers (nitrogen + phosphatic + potassic) per hectare of gross cropped area has increased from 35.9 kg/ha in 1997-98 to 50.2 kg/ha in 2012-13. Coverage of area under plant protection measures is likely to reach an all-time high of 5 lakh hectares in 2013-14 from 4.5 lakh hectares in 2006-07 with an increase in distribution of agrochemicals from 134 MT to 190 MT during the above periods.
The share of agriculture including Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture and Animal Husbandry in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) had declined from 26.5% in 1990-91 to 14.42% in 2012-13. In the 1990s, the sector showed an Average annual Growth rate of 5.7%, which is at par with national level. The economy of the state has shown a shift from agriculture sector to industries and Services as the Percentage contribution of agriculture and allied sectors in total State Domestic Product has declined from 58.56% in1970-71 to 37.82% in 1990-91and to 19.28% in 2013-14. Agriculture is one of the major contributors to the total domestic product and has overall impact on other sectors via input linkages, EMPLOYMENT and trade.
The Agriculture and Allied Activities sector of the state’s economy has recorded a growth rate of 4.2% during the Eleventh Five Year Plan and a growth rate of 4.5% in this sector has been envisaged during the Twelfth Five Year Plan (GoHP, 2012). Primary Sector, which includes agriculture, Forestry, fishing, mining and quarrying, during 2011-12, witnessed a negative growth rate of 5.2%. The
agricultural production has increased from previous year but due to decrease in fruit production this sector registered a negative growth.
Diversification of Agriculture through Micro-Irrigation and other related Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE
The project on Diversification of Agriculture through Micro-Irrigation and other related Infrastructure aims at increasing the area under efficient methods of irrigation viz., drip and Sprinkler Irrigation. The NABARD has sanctioned this project under RIDF-XIV amounting to INR 19.809 billion which shall be implemented in 4 years starting from 2008-09. In all, 17312 sprinkler/ Drip Irrigation systems shall be installed during the project period. Besides this, 16020 Nos. of water sources like tanks, shallow wells, shallow tube wells, deep tube wells, small and medium lifts and pumping sets shall also be constructed on the basis of actual need. For installation of Sprinkler and drip system farmer is being provided with 80% subsidy and for creation of water Resources 50% subsidy.
Promotion of Organic Farming
The State Department of Agriculture intends to promote organic farming in terms of area expansion and increase in organic certification (2000 ha area approximately) in all districts. The promotion of organic farming i.e. area expansion and organic certification at farmer’s field shall be done as per guidelines and terms and conditions for which services of service providers would be required. State Govt. has also approved the organic policy for the state so the major Stress shall be laid on the promotion of Organic Farming during the 12th Plan period.
Precision farming and diversification of agriculture
The State Department of Agriculture has launched Pt. Deen Dayal Kisan Bagwan Samridhi Yojna with the assistance of NABARD under RIDF. The project, launched in 2009, is being implemented in all District of the State with an outlay of INR 3.53 billion. This project comprises of two parts – i) Production of Cash Crops through adoption of precision Farming practices through polyhouse cultivation forINR1.54 billion, and ii) Project on Diversification of Agriculture through Micro-Irrigation and other related infrastructure for Rs.1.98 billion. For polyhouse and Micro Irrigation 80% subsidy is available, whereas, for creation of water source 50% subsidy is available.
Land tenure and size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh
The distribution of operational holdings in Himachal Pradesh among different categories of land holdings indicates an overwhelming preponderance of small and marginal farms.
The corresponding figures for 1970-71 were 58.2 and 20.2 per cent respectively. The increase in number of small and marginal holdings may be partly due to division of land to circumvent certain provisions of land ceilings legislations. Further, number of marginal holdings has registered an increase of 56.58 per cent during this period whereas small holdings have increased by 40.60 per cent. The corresponding CGRs were 2.26 and 1.41 percent per annum. On the other hand, though, the number of holdings under ‘others’ category also increased by 2.03 percent, in overall context of reference period, these declined at CGR of 0.1 percent per annum.
The net cultivated area is decreasing and the area is being shifted to non-agricultural uses. This might cause a serious threat to sustainable agricultural development, Food Security and livelihood. Given the importance of land in agriculture, its conservation becomes very crucial for long-run agricultural production. In this regard development and implementation of land use policies and its integration to the policies on forest and water so as to provide coherence in management of these resources needs to be undertaken. Further there should be laws related to land use so that the incidence of degradation of agricultural land and the shifting of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses could be checked. The barren, uncultivable waste land etc. may be allotted for non-agricultural purposes like buildings, roads etc.
Fragmentation of land has resulted in productivity losses and impoverishment in the region. Land husbandry initiatives such as the Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project, which includes the Himachal Pradesh Reforestation Project (HPRP), the world’s largest Clean Development mechanism (CDM) undertaking, have improved agricultural yields and productivity, and raised rural household incomes. The ongoing Project has converted about 9,000 ha of rainfed area into irrigated land through Watershed Management techniques.
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Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities
Horticulture is the practice of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental Plants. It is a major Source Of Income for farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The state has a favorable Climate for horticulture, with cool summers and mild winters. The main fruits grown in Himachal Pradesh are apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, and strawberries. The main vegetables grown are potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers, onions, and peas. Flowers such as roses, lilies, and orchids are also grown in Himachal Pradesh.
Floriculture is the practice of growing flowers for commercial purposes. It is a growing Industry in Himachal Pradesh, with a number of flower farms being set up in recent years. The main flowers grown are roses, lilies, orchids, chrysanthemums, and carnations.
Apiculture is the practice of keeping bees for their honey and other products. It is a traditional occupation in Himachal Pradesh, with a number of beekeepers in the state. The main honeybee species found in Himachal Pradesh is Apis mellifera.
Sericulture is the practice of raising silkworms for their silk. It is a small but important industry in Himachal Pradesh. The main silkworm species found in Himachal Pradesh is Bombyx mori.
Mushroom cultivation is the practice of growing mushrooms for food and other purposes. It is a growing industry in Himachal Pradesh, with a number of mushroom farms being set up in recent years. The main mushrooms grown are button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
Dairy farming is the practice of raising dairy animals, such as cows, buffaloes, and goats, for their milk. It is a major source of income for farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The state has a large Population of dairy animals, and milk is a major export from the state.
Poultry farming is the practice of raising poultry birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, for their meat and eggs. It is a growing industry in Himachal Pradesh, with a number of poultry farms being set up in recent years. The main poultry birds raised are chickens and ducks.
Pig farming is the practice of raising pigs for their meat. It is a small but important industry in Himachal Pradesh. The main pig breed found in Himachal Pradesh is the Large White pig.
Sheep and goat rearing is the practice of raising sheep and goats for their meat, wool, and milk. It is a traditional occupation in Himachal Pradesh, with a large number of sheep and goats being raised in the state. The main sheep breeds found in Himachal Pradesh are the Gaddi sheep and the Pashmina sheep. The main goat breeds found in Himachal Pradesh are the Jamunapari goat and the Beetal goat.
Fishery is the practice of catching fish for food and other purposes. It is a small but important industry in Himachal Pradesh. The main fish species found in Himachal Pradesh are the mahseer, the trout, and the catfish.
Land tenure and size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh
The land tenure system in Himachal Pradesh is a complex one, with a variety of different types of landholdings. The main types of landholdings are:
- Private landholdings: These are landholdings that are owned by individuals or families.
- Community landholdings: These are landholdings that are owned by communities, such as villages or tribes.
- Government landholdings: These are landholdings that are owned by the government.
The size of landholdings in Himachal Pradesh varies greatly. The average size of a landholding in Himachal Pradesh is about 2 hectares. However, there are a number of landholdings that are much larger than this, and a number that are much smaller.
The impact of land tenure system on agricultural development in Himachal Pradesh
The land tenure system in Himachal Pradesh has a significant impact on agricultural development. The main impact is that it makes it difficult for farmers to get access to credit and other inputs. This is because landholdings are often fragmented, and it is difficult for banks to assess the creditworthiness of individual farmers.
The impact of size of land holdings on agricultural development in Himachal Pradesh
The size of landholdings also has a significant impact on agricultural development. The main impact is that it makes it difficult for farmers to achieve economies of scale. This is because small landholdings do not have the capacity to produce enough food to meet the needs of their families, and they do not have the resources to invest in new technologies and practices.
Challenges and opportunities for diversification in agriculture and allied activities in Himachal Pradesh
The main challenges for diversification in agriculture and allied activities in Himachal Pradesh are:
- Lack of awareness among farmers about the benefits of diversification
Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities
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What is diversification in agriculture?
Diversification in agriculture is the practice of growing a variety of crops or raising a variety of Livestock. This can help to reduce risk and increase profits. -
What are the benefits of diversification in agriculture?
There are many benefits to diversification in agriculture. Some of the benefits include:- Reduced risk: By growing a variety of crops or raising a variety of livestock, farmers can reduce their risk from pests, diseases, and market fluctuations.
- Increased profits: Diversification can help farmers to increase their profits by allowing them to take advantage of different market opportunities.
- Improved Soil Health: Diversification can help to improve soil health by rotating crops and grazing livestock on different parts of the farm.
- Increased resilience: Diversification can help farmers to be more resilient to shocks and stresses, such as droughts, floods, and pests.
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What are some challenges of diversification in agriculture?
There are some challenges associated with diversification in agriculture. Some of the challenges include:- Increased costs: Diversification can require additional Investment in equipment, land, and labor.
- Increased complexity: Diversification can be more complex to manage than a single-crop or livestock operation.
- Increased risk: Diversification can increase risk if farmers are not careful to choose crops or livestock that are well-suited to their climate and market conditions.
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What are some examples of diversification in agriculture?
Some examples of diversification in agriculture include:- Growing a variety of crops, such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
- Raising a variety of livestock, such as cattle, pigs, and chickens.
- Combining crop production with livestock production, such as raising cattle on pasture.
- Developing value-added products, such as cheese, wine, and meat products.
Land tenure and size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh
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What is land tenure?
Land tenure is the system by which land is owned, held, and used. -
What are the different types of land tenure?
There are many different types of land tenure, but some of the most common include:- Private ownership: Land is owned by individuals or families.
- Communal ownership: Land is owned by a group of people, such as a village or tribe.
- State ownership: Land is owned by the government.
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What is the size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh?
The average size of land holdings in Himachal Pradesh is 1.5 hectares. However, there is a wide range of landholding sizes, from a few acres to hundreds of acres. -
What are the challenges of land tenure in Himachal Pradesh?
There are a number of challenges associated with land tenure in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the challenges include:- Fragmentation of landholdings: Landholdings in Himachal Pradesh are often fragmented, meaning that they are made up of small, scattered plots. This can make it difficult to manage land and can reduce productivity.
- Lack of access to land: There is a shortage of land available for Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh. This is due to a number of factors, including the mountainous terrain and the high population density.
- Insecurity of land tenure: There is a lack of security of land tenure in Himachal Pradesh. This means that farmers are not always sure that they will be able to keep the land they are farming. This can discourage investment in land and can lead to land degradation.
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What are the opportunities for land tenure in Himachal Pradesh?
There are a number of opportunities for land tenure in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the opportunities include:- Consolidation of landholdings: The government could help to consolidate landholdings by providing financial assistance to farmers who want to merge their plots. This would make it easier to manage land and would increase productivity.
- Increased access to land: The government could increase the amount of land available for agriculture by developing new irrigation schemes and by bringing more land under cultivation.
- Improved security of land tenure: The government could improve security of land tenure by passing laws that protect the rights of farmers to their land. This would encourage investment in land and would help to prevent land degradation.
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Which of the following is not a major agricultural crop in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Tea -
Which of the following is not a major allied activity in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Animal husbandry
(B) Dairying
(C) Poultry farming
(D) Horticulture -
Which of the following is the main type of land tenure in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Private ownership
(B) Government ownership
(C) Community ownership
(D) Collective ownership -
The average size of landholding in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Less than 1 hectare
(B) 1-2 hectares
(C) 2-3 hectares
(D) More than 3 hectares -
The main reason for the small size of landholdings in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) The mountainous terrain
(B) The low population density
(C) The traditional system of landholding
(D) The government’s Land reforms program -
The main agricultural problem in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Soil erosion
(B) Water scarcity
(C) Low productivity
(D) All of the above -
The main allied activity in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Animal husbandry
(B) Dairying
(C) Poultry farming
(D) Horticulture -
The main reason for the development of allied activities in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) The government’s support
(B) The availability of raw materials
(C) The demand for these products
(D) All of the above -
The main export product of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Apples
(B) Potatoes
(C) Ginger
(D) All of the above -
The main import product of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Foodgrains
(B) Fuel
(C) Fertilizers
(D) All of the above