Himachal Pradesh
is a hilly state where most of the people are agriculture dependent.
Over 93% of the population depends directly on agriculture. The physical
features and climatic conditions of the region are not favourable for
production of food grains. Cultivation of food grains on slopes of hills is neither economic nor beneficial. Hence the only option is to cultivate cash crops.
The main cereals that are grown in the state include wheat, maize, rice and barley. Although the state is deficit
in production of food grains but it has been successful in other
production spheres viz. seed-potato, ginger, vegetables, vegetable seed,
mushrooms, chicory seeds, hops etc. Fruit cultivation is another field which is economic as well as favourable according to the agro climatic condition. The state is the major producer of apples in the country and hence named as the “Apple State of India”.
The
main sources of irrigation are Kuhls (small water channels) available
from seasonal springs. Lift irrigation is another source of irrigation
in the state. Efforts are being made by the government to avail
irrigation facilities in most of the areas.
The Government of Himachal
is doing its best to help the farmers by providing cheap credit,
organization of marketing facilities. Agricultural inputs are being
provided to the farmers who can take the help of various co-operative
societies to fulfill their needs. These co-operative societies provide
marketing facilities as well as credit to the needy farmers.
Thrust areas for future agricultural development
- Crop
Diversification: Shifting area from traditional foodgrain crops to high
value cash crops like Vegetables, Spices, and Seed Production. During
10th Five Year Plan 21,000 hectare area shall be diverted for growing of
cash crops.
- Conservation of natural resources like land and water by adopting Watershed Development Approach.
- Promotion of organic farming so as to ensure premium prices of the produce.
- Strict enforcement of Quality Control Laws.
- To develop efficient post harvesting and marketing system and development of modern markets.
- Increased and effective participation of Women in Agriculture Development.
- Re-orientation of extension agency so as to ensure rapid transfer of technology and skill up-gradation.
- Greater emphasis on expansion of minor irrigation through RIDF funding.
- Re-defining of Agro-ecological zones.
- Greater emphasis on Hill Mechanisation through identification of suitable implements and machines and their propagation.
- Agriculture Research System shall be re-oriented so as to address the problems of the farmers of the State.
- Agro-processing and Tea Development shall be the major focus area in future.
- Creation of employment opportunities in
the Agriculture Sector by adopting Crop Diversification, Post
Harvesting Handling, Storage, Marketing Facilities, Agro-processing,
Agricultural Mechanization and Agri-business.
Land Use Pattern
| S. No. | Contents | Area (hect.) |
| 1 | Total Geographical Area
i) By ProfessionalSurvey
ii) By Village Papers
| 55,67,300
42,67,196 |
| 2 | Forests | 10,86,548 |
| 3 | Barran and UncultivableLands | 7,75,896 |
| 4 | Land Put toNon-Agriculture Use | 2,24,791 |
| 5 | Permanent Pastures andOther Grazing Lands | 13,40,222 |
| 6 | Land under Misc. TreesCrops not Included in Area Sown | 97,527 |
| 7 | Cultivable Waste Lands | 1,03,942 |
| 8 | Current Fallows | 22,706 |
| 9 | Other Fallow Lands | 55,410 |
| 10 | Net Area Sown | 5,60,154 |
| 11 | Area Sown More than Once | 4,26,184 |
| 12 | Total Cropped Area | 9,86,338 |
Source: Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of H.P.
Agro-climatic Zones
- Shivalik Hill Zone:
Climate Sub Tropical, consists of foothills and valley area from 350 to
650 meters above mean sea level, it occupies about 35% of the
geographical area and about 40% of the cultivated area of the State.
- Mid Hill Zone:
This zone extends from 651 meters to 1,800 meters above mean sea level.
Having mild temperate climate. It occupies about 32% of the total
geographical area and about 37% of the cultivated area of the State.
- High Hill Zone:
It lies from 1,801 to 2,200 meters above sea level with humid temperate
climate and alpine pastures. This zone covers about 35% of the
geographical areas and about 21% of the cultivated area of the State.
- Cold Dry Zone: It Comprises of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur Districts and Pangi Tehsil of Chamba District lying about 2,200 meters above mean sea level.
Source: Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of H.P.