3. Cropping Patterns and Change

The cropping pattern in the Central Himalaya exhibits a diverse range, encompassing the cultivation of food grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and spices. This pattern undergoes variations with altitude, distinguishing between the river valleys, middle altitudes, and highlands. Additionally, the shifting climate across sub-tropical, sub-temperate, temperate, and cold zones contributes to these variations. In recent times, there has been a notable increase in the rate of change in the cropping pattern. In the river valleys, there is a discernible shift toward mono-cropping, displacing the previously prevalent multicrop regime. This transition is accompanied by the disappearance of numerous cultivars of food grains, fruits, and vegetables, with several crop varieties migrating to higher altitudes. These transformations have significantly altered the cropping pattern in the Central Himalaya. This chapter delves into the primary factors contributing to these changes and examines the implications for agriculture in the region.