Agriculture Diversification in the Low Hill Zone Agrarian Economy of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The new agricultural policy which provides status of agriculture as industry is expected to provide new avenues for exports of agricultural products, improving earnings by assured markets and establishment of agro-based industries. As such the diversification in agriculture is considered a desirable change to meet ever increasing demand of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fodder, fiber, fruits, spices and condiments, medicinal and commercial crops. India has endowed with diverse climate and soil types by the nature which facilitates diversification in agriculture and considered to be the major strength in meeting out the food requirements of ever increasing population. Diversification in agriculture is considered to have large potentialities of increasing income and employment and providing strength through reduced instabilities particularly under the situation of risk and capital constraints. These considerations make a strong case for diversification under Indian conditions.