AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Abstract

Diversification of agriculture is widely advocated as a means for ushering in agricultural and rural development. Himachal Pradesh is the only state in the country where 90 per cent of the population lives in rural areas. Therefore, dependency on agriculture and allied activities is dominant as these provide direct employment to about 62 per cent of total workers in the state. The present study is an attempt to examine the status of agricultural diversification for bringing development in rural areas of the state. The study is based on secondary data collected from various publications of the state government and records from different departments like agriculture and the directorates of economics & statistics and land records. The averages, percentages and growth rates were computed to analyze the emerging cropping pattern of the state. The results of temporal changes in non-foodgrain crops has shown a significant increase in the per cent share of gross cropped area under these crops, which mostly include fruits and vegetable crops, in Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur followed by Sirmaur and Chamba districts. Total fruit production and yield as a whole registered a significant and positive growth rate of 4.44 and 3.78 per cent per annum during the study period. Area, production and yield of vegetable crops significantly increased at the rate of 5.88, 9.03 and 3.27 per cent per annum, respectively. Horticulture sector contributed more of about 37.74 per cent in primary sector compared to that of agriculture and allied sectors during 2015-16. For these reasons, the state is paying more attention towards agricultural diversification and productivity enhancement to promote inclusive growth, enhance rural incomes and sustain food security and nutritional security.