Challenges and Opportunities in Crop Diversification

This paper examines the challenges and production possibilities for diversification of agriculture in Himachal Pradesh. The study is based upon the data drawn from various studies conducted by CSK HPKV in different parts of Himachal Pradesh. It is well known fact that the state is gifted with varied agro-climatic conditions varying from sub-tropical to temperate opening a myriad of opportunities for growing a variety of field crops, fruits, plantation crops, livestock breeds and many other ancillary activities. There are some potential pockets in the state where progressive farm diversification has already taken place leading to tremendous economic progress and transformation. Besides a number of potential farming systems and enterprises exist that can be taken up to diversify farming and enhance the income and employment especially of marginal and small farmers. Despite the availability of potential systems and enterprises, agriculture in large parts of the state faces the problems of deceleration in yields of practically all crops, depletion and degradation of natural resource base and noticeable climatic change having far reaching implications for food security and livelihoods of masses. The study suggests alternative demand driven niche based diversification towards high value cash crops and enterprises and portrays a viable solution to stabilize and raise farmers' incomes, augment employment opportunities, conserve and enhance natural resources in the ultimate pursuit of achieving higher income and enhance quality of life of farmers. The paper highlights these options through use of technology to increase the productivity of crops in a sustainable way, giving due emphasis to high value and hi-tech enterprises, organic/natural farming and ancillary enterprises, etc.