Himachal Pradesh is a small hill state of Northern India. The state has an extensive range of agro-climatic conditions, ranging from low foothills to snow-covered highlands. Most of state’s population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood, making it state’s largest economy. But over the past few years it has been observed that the state’s agriculture is shifting from traditional cereal based cropping system to high value commodities like fruits, vegetables and particularly off-season vegetables. This shift in consumption pattern from cereals to horticultural crops was at beginning seen in few districts like Shimla, Solan, Kullu and Lahul and Spiti which later gained pace in 1990s and since has spread in low and mid hill districts. Crop diversification is a crucial approach that can reduce crop failure risk, generate employment opportunities, help in environmental preservation and most importantly boost farm revenue which can ultimately increase household income of small and marginal farmers. The factors like climate change, demand for horticultural crops, support from government institutions and various state or centre government policies/schemes/projects are promoting crop diversification in the state. This review aims to show the changes in land use pattern and cropping pattern in the state and how these changes have led to diversification from cereals to horticultural commodities. This review also explains the factors that facilitate diversification, impacts of diversification and various constraints faced by agricultural diversification in state.
crop diversification, farm revenue, land use, cropping pattern
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