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2024 | Book

Farming Systems and Sustainable Agriculture in the Himalaya

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About this book

The farming system in the Central Himalayan Region is distinctive and unique, mainly focusing on the cultivation of traditional subsistence cereal crops. The agrobiodiversity in this region is rich, with the Central Himalaya growing numerous cultivars and crop races. The practice of cultivating many crops or cultivars in a single field is known as the 'Barahnaja System.' Another peculiar system is the Sar/Sari system, where different crops grow in the two Sars during the same seasons, with one Sar left fallow for six months while the other grows crops. This century-old farming method involves plowing fields with oxen and using organic manure to enhance crop production and productivity. However, recent changes have been observed in the farming systems. The area under traditionally growing millets is declining. In river valleys and middle altitudes, there is a recent trend towards cultivating paddy and wheat. Unfortunately, the cultivation of temperate fruits – apple and citrus has seen a decline in terms of area, production, and productivity. Various factors are influ encing farming systems in the Central Himalaya, such as high climate variability and change, decreasing crop production and productivity, evolving food habits, and out-migration. The book contains 12 chapters illustrating introduction, land use and land cover change, cropping patterns, crop diversity and agro-ecological zones, farming systems and sustainable agriculture, climate change and its impact on agriculture, infrastructural facilities for sustainable agriculture, declining agriculture: a case study, crop productivity and suitability analyzes, agribusiness, policies and planning for sustainable agriculture, and conclusions. It serves as a valuable resource for students, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and farmers.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
The farming system in the Central Himalaya is unique and diversified, primarily characterized by the cultivation of traditional subsistence cereal crops. These crops are grown on narrow patches of terraced fields, a practice that is centuries-old. A large area of cropland is rainfed. Irrigation facilities are available only in the river valleys and plain regions. The modern innovation in agriculture is limited due to undulating terrain, fragile landscape, and inaccessibility. Therefore, the output from traditionally grown crops is significantly less. This leads to food insecurity. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of farming systems and sustainable agriculture. The theoretical/conceptual framework for sustainable poverty reduction has been presented. Furthermore, the chapter is enriched by discussions on the study area, methodology, and the layout of the book.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 2. Land Use Patterns and Land Cover Change
Abstract
The land use pattern in the Central Himalaya exhibits distinct characteristics owing to varied topographies. Rapid changes in land cover are being witnessed, driven by multiple factors such as climate change, escalating natural hazards, diminishing forested areas, growing population, and increased human mobility. This chapter delves into the specific land use patterns in Garhwal, Kumaon, hills, and plain regions, offering separate descriptions for each. Additionally, the transformations in land cover between 2011–12 and 2018–19 are elucidated, revealing a significant and irregular shift in land cover during this period.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 3. Cropping Patterns and Change
Abstract
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.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 4. Crop Diversity and Agro-ecological Zones
Abstract
The Central Himalaya boasts a wealth of crop diversity and a variety of agro-ecological zones. Numerous crop cultivars/races, including food grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, spices, and vegetables, flourish across all altitudinal zones. In a single cropland, more than 12 crop races are cultivated, constituting what is known as the ‘Barahnaja’ system. However, in recent times, there has been a decline in crop diversity as agro-ecological zones shift to higher altitudes. This has resulted in the disappearance of many crop cultivars from their original locations. Several factors contribute to this decline, with climate change emerging as a significant driver.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 5. Farming Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
This chapter delves into the intricate landscape of farming systems and sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on the distinctive characteristics found in the Central Himalayan region. The farming practices in this area encompass a spectrum, ranging from traditional subsistence mixed farming to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the prevalence of mono-cropping, such as sugarcane in the plain regions, and wheat and paddy in the river valleys, adds another layer of complexity to the agricultural tapestry. The sustenance of the local population is intricately tied to the practice of sustainable farming, making it a crucial aspect of their livelihoods. However, a comprehensive examination of the current scenario reveals a shift in the farming system, thereby exerting a substantial impact on the well-being of the local populace. This study endeavors to shed light on these transformations, substantiated by relevant facts and figures, providing a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics within the farming communities of the Central Himalaya.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 6. §Climate Change and Its Impact on Farming Systems
Abstract
The farming systems in the Central Himalaya primarily encompass agriculture, horticulture, and livestock rearing. Recent times have witnessed substantial transformations in these practices, marked by a noteworthy decline in the area, production, and productivity of traditional cereals. Moreover, the extinction of many crop cultivars and races, coupled with the imminent threat of others facing a similar fate, has exacerbated the situation, leading to food scarcity and malnutrition. Climate change emerges as a pivotal factor driving these transformations in the farming systems of the Central Himalayan region. Warming trends in river valleys and middle altitudes are contributing to the alarming drying of natural springs, posing a direct threat to the agricultural practices that rely on these water sources. This study, therefore, sheds light on the profound and multifaceted impact of climate change on farming systems, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges in the vulnerable Central Himalaya.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 7. Infrastructural Facilities for Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
Agricultural infrastructural facilities include irrigation facilities, the availability and use of fertilizers, including organic manure, availability and use of suitable seeds, and innovation in plowing fields. This chapter examines infrastructural facilities for sustainable agriculture in the Central Himalaya. This region practices agriculture through traditional methods. The use of modern innovation in the croplands is limited. On the other hand, in the mountainous region, modern innovation in agriculture is not suitable, such as the use of chemical fertilizers because agriculture is rainfed. Although organic manure is used, its availability is limited. Seeds are traditional. This study reveals that the use of modern innovation in croplands, taking climate, terrain, and the level of irrigation into account, will lead to sustainable agriculture.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 8. Declining Agriculture: A Case Study
Abstract
Subsistence agriculture, the cultivation of subsistence cereals including millets, oilseeds, and pulses, is the major occupation and source of livelihood for people in the Garhwal region. Over time, the production and yield of subsistence agriculture have drastically reduced. This study examines the practices of subsistence agriculture, the major drivers of declining agriculture, and its implications on the livelihood of marginal farmers. Data were gathered from eight villages in four districts, using a household-level survey. A total of 376 households inhabit these villages. We surveyed 207 households (55%) who were fully engaged in practicing subsistence agriculture purposively. A structured questionnaire was constructed, and questions were asked to the heads of households regarding the area, production, and productivity of principal crops during 2000–2020. Data were analyzed using statistical methods. This study depicted that traditional agriculture has been declining, with a 50% decrease in the area, production, and productivity of crops noticed during the last 20 years. The decrease was mainly attributed to climate change, extreme geo-hydrological disasters, crop damage by wildlife, increasing population, decreasing landholdings, low soil fertility, low output from arable land, mono-cropping, and a lack of use of modern technology. The implications of declining subsistence agriculture include out-migration, land abandonment, and livelihood insecurity.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 9. Crop Productivity and Suitability Analysis
Abstract
Crop productivity and suitability evaluation form a prerequisite for land use planning. Soil properties and agro-climatic conditions further influence crop performance. This chapter examines crop productivity and suitability in view of agro-ecological conditions and soil properties. Time series data of major crops were gathered from secondary sources, and their mean value was obtained. Furthermore, district-wise crop productivity of the major crops were analyzed, and suitability criteria were evaluated. It has been observed that crop productivity is low in the mountainous mainland in comparison to the plain districts; however, it varies from crop to crop. Our study further revealed that the highlands are suitable for growing potato, small millets, pulses, and temperate fruits, whereas valley regions are suitable for growing citrus fruits, paddy, wheat, and spices. Tarai and Doon plains are suitable for growing sugarcane, paddy, and wheat.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 10. Role of Agribusiness in Sustainable Rural Livelihood
Abstract
The people of the Himalayan region practice subsistence agriculture, the output of which is insufficient to sustain livelihoods. However, the agro-climate and landscape support the production of high-yield cash crops, primarily fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Due to a lack of cold storage and proper market facilities, marginal farmers are unable to cultivate them. Instead, they resort to cultivating traditional subsistence crops, leading to food insecurity among them. This study examines the role of agribusiness in sustainable rural livelihoods in the Himalaya. To conduct this study, both primary and secondary data were gathered. Primary data were collected through a case study of 12 villages in the Almora district, Kumaon Himalaya. A total of 170 households from 13 revenue villages engaged in agribusiness were surveyed. Secondary data were collected from the state statistical diary in Dehradun. The study depicts that the number of farmers engaged in agribusiness is lower; however, their income is higher compared to those practicing traditional agriculture. It suggests that if sufficient cold storage and adequate market facilities are provided to farmers, agribusiness can play an important role in sustainable rural livelihoods.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 11. Policies and Planning for Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
The Central Himalaya has been engaged in traditional cereal farming, primarily for subsistence. In the past, when the population was smaller, crop production was sufficient to meet the needs of the community. Over time, with the increasing population, the output from the farmland became inadequate. Development agencies attempted to enhance productivity using various innovative methods; however, several factors hindered successful implementation. This chapter focuses on the formulation of policies, their planning, and implementation in farmlands. It explores how crop production and productivity can be improved to sustain the livelihoods of the growing population.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Chapter 12. Conclusions
Abstract
This chapter summarizes the essence of all chapters, starting from the study area’s location to methodology, land use patterns, and land cover changes. It explores cropping patterns and their changes, crop diversity, and agro-ecological zones, along with farming systems and sustainable agriculture. The study delves into the impact of climate change on farming systems, infrastructural facilities, and sustainable agriculture. It includes a case study on declining agriculture, as well as policies and planning for sustainable agriculture. The examination focuses on how sustainable agriculture can be practiced in a changing scenario.
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Metadata
Title
Farming Systems and Sustainable Agriculture in the Himalaya
Author
Vishwambhar Prasad Sati
Copyright Year
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-64687-4
Print ISBN
978-3-031-64686-7
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64687-4