Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Agricultural Growth and Instability in Western Himalayan Region: An Analysis of Himachal Pradesh, India
Bal Krishan, Amar Chanchal

Abstract
Agriculture is the main occupation of around three quarters of the total rural population (which is approximately 90 per cent of the total population of the state) of Himachal Pradesh. Due to difficult geographical terrain and mountainous region the proportion of land available for cultivation is very small. Only about 35 per cent area is available for cultivation. Net sown area and total cropped area constitute about 10 per cent and 17.7 per cent of the total geographical area respectively. This makes agriculture quite a challenge in the state and yet some regions in the state have come up as models for agriculture in hilly areas. The current study looks into the instability in area, production and yield of major crops in three agro climatic regions in the state and other dynamics associated with it. Instability in agricultural production, for any reason, results in unpredictable behavior and decision making from the population engaged in primary sector which is passed on to the economy as a whole.

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