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Characteristics of
Agriculture in Lesser Himalayan Region: A Case Study of Bharmoti Panchayat in
District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh |
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| Paper Id :
17708 Submission Date :
2023-06-09 Acceptance Date :
2023-06-29 Publication Date :
2023-08-01
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| Abstract |
Food security and the provision of nutrient-dense food to the global population are both greatly impacted by agriculture. With at least two-thirds of the working population employed in the sector and a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) contribution of between 17 and 18%, agriculture is a crucial industry in India. In India, irrigation only makes up about 45% of the cultivated land, with most agricultural practices being rain-fed. An estimated 10,000 square kilometers of the state of Himachal Pradesh's entire land area—which is about 55,000 square kilometers—is used for agriculture. It has a total area of 1,118 square kilometers and is the smallest district in Himachal Pradesh. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the Bharmoti panchayat of the district Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. It contributes significantly to the local economy, and a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations are striving to assist and promote sustainable agriculture in the area.
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| Keywords | Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur, Advancement of Agriculture, Problems of Agriculture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduction | Agriculture is crucial for food security because it ensures a
steady supply of wholesome food for the entire world's population. The world's
agriculture is diverse and varies by region, climate, and soil types. Depending
on the climate, different crops are grown in different places of the world.
India offers a wide variety of agro-climatic zones, from the Himalayas to
coastal areas, with various crops and farming techniques. Wheat, rice, spices,
and tea are among the major exports from India. The agricultural export policy
and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA) are two programmes the government runs to boost Agri-exports. In
Himachal Pradesh, especially in rural areas, a substantial number of people are
employed in agriculture and horticulture. In order to address concerns like
soil protection, land use planning, and encouraging crop diversification, the
state government has launched a number of projects. With a total area of 1,118
square km, Hamirpur is the smallest district in Himachal Pradesh. A key part of
the district's economy is agriculture, which supports a sizable section of the
population. The majority of households in the district are rural and engaged in
agriculture or similar businesses. Wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and vegetables
like tomatoes, capsicums, peas, and beans are among the main crops farmed in
the district. One of the government's measures is to offer subsidies for the
buying of seeds, fertilizer, and agricultural equipment. Another is to
introduce modern farming methods, set up cold storage facilities and mandis
marketplaces, and encourage the growing of high-value commodities such
medicinal plants and herbs. Agriculture is the main source of income for the
community of Bharmoti Panchayat in the Himachal Pradesh district of Hamirpur.
The majority of the land in the Bharmoti panchayat is covered with seasonal as
well as off-seasonal vegetables, and they are widely known for their vegetable
crop production. Numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations are
trying to assist and promote sustainable agriculture in the area as it plays a
significant role in the local economy. |
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| Objective of study | The present paper will work on following objectives: 1. To examine various agricultural activities existing in
Bharmoti panchayat. 2. To highlight the factors responsible for agricultural
advancement in Bharmoti panchayat. 3. To analyze the problems faced by farmers in Bharmoti
panchayat. 4. To evaluate the ground level implementation of government
programmes and schemes. |
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| Review of Literature | The
study done by Davis W. Gribiche’s (1960) emphasizes how farm size is becoming a
more significant factor in determining productivity and economic growth. Larger
farms were found to be more efficient and productive than smaller ones, and
this trend was expected to continue in the future.The Food and Agriculture
Organizations (FAO) of United Nations (2017) provides a comprehensive analysis
of the key trends and challenges facing the global food and agriculture system,
including population growth, climate change, resource constrains, and changing
dietary patterns. This report signifies that there is need for adaptation
measures, such as the development of drought-resistant crops and improved water
management practices, to address these challenges.A study by Raman and Sreejith
(2019), found that rice, wheat and maize are major food crops, while cotton,
jute, and sugarcane are major nonfood crops. This diversity is due to country’s
vast geography and climate conditions. India's diverse agricultural production
is a result of the country's extensive terrain and varied climatic conditions.
Singh et al. (2019) in his study analyzed that Indian agriculture is
characterized by a diversity of cropping patterns, with different regions
cultivating different crops depending on the soil type, climate, and water
availability. The study found that rice, wheat, and pulses are most commonly
cultivated crops in India.Villoria (2019) investigates the link between
technological spillovers and land use change in global agriculture in their
study. The study presents empirical evidence that technological spillovers have
a favorable influence on land use change, resulting in higher agricultural
output. These findings emphasize the significance of technical improvements in
driving changes in land use patterns, as well as the potential for technology
to contribute to worldwide sustainable agriculture practices.Gautam and Gautam
(2020) highlight the multiple challenges faced by Indian agriculture, including
low productivity, lack of access to credit, technology, and climate changes.
The study emphasizes the need of interventions to address these challenges and
promote sustainable growth of the sector.Poonam Rani et al. (2021) examined the
structure of agricultural productivity and crop diversification across
different zones in Punjab, India, from 1966–1967 to 2017–2018 and discovered
that almost all zones of Punjab are specialized in a few crops, but some are
relatively less or more.He et al. (2022) examines the features and advancements
in land use/cover change research. Their research looks at the patterns and
trends in land use alterations from 1990 to 2018 over the last three decades,
giving insights into the dynamic nature of human-induced land changes.Kumar and
Singh (2022) present an overview of agricultural developments in Himachal
Pradesh and discover how changes in cropping patterns, affected by economic,
technical, and institutional variables, have benefited the dynamic economy.
Food crops account for 96% of total planted land, with fruits seeing the most
growth. However, the area dedicated to cereal crops, pulses, and oilseeds has
reduced, which might have national ramifications.Ali Raza et al. (2023) in
their study of Pakistan’s Southern Punjab Province used the Dynamics of Land
System (DLS) model to simulate land use changes in response to the driving
mechanisms and discovered that cultivated land and built-up areas expanded
while areas of water and grassland contracted under all three scenarios. |
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| Main Text |
Study Area India is one of the largest producers of food in the world, with a diverse
range of crops grown throughout the country's varied agro-climatic zones.
Himachal Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India, bordered by
Jammu and Kashmir to the north and Punjab to the west. Map:01 Locational Map of Study Area
Source:
Census of India, District Census Handbook of Hamirpur, 2011.
With
its mountainous terrain and varied agro-climatic zones, agriculture in Himachal
Pradesh is mainly characterized by horticulture, which includes the cultivation
of fruit. Traditional agricultural methods like terracing and crop rotation are
still used in many areas of the state because of the state's high altitude and
hilly terrain.Bharmoti Panchayat is located in Nadaun block of Hamirpur
district (as shown in map: 01) in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The
panchayat is situated in the eastern part of the Nadaun block and is surrounded
by several other panchayats such as Bharnout, Batlahu, and Jukhala. |
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| Methodology | In the present paper, the study has been conducted by using
the primary data with the help of structured questionnaire scheduled in five
villages of Bharmoti Panchayat namely Bharmoti Kalan, Kuthad, Bharmoti Khurd,
Ratkar and Gagal proportion of each village=(number of household in each
village)/(total number of household in Bharmoti panchayat) household selected
for further study=sample size ×(percentage share of each household)/100 |
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| Sampling |
Stratified/proportionate
sampling technique has been adopted to draw the sample beneficiaries from the
selected villages. Approximately
15% of total households have been surveyed during fieldwork. Following formulas
have been used to select the number of households from each village. Table:1 Bharmoti
Panchayat: Proportion of Surveyed Households (Village Wise)
Source: Source:
DCHB, 2011 District Census Handbook, Hamirpur, 2011 |
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| Result and Discussion |
The
Bharmoti Panchayat's agriculture sector makes a substantial contribution to the
local economy. This not only creates jobs but also lowers unemployment and
advances the region's socioeconomic development as a whole. Forlocal people, it
offers employment opportunities. Crop farming and related activities provide
employment for farmers, farm workers, and others involved in post-harvest
activities including sorting, packing, and transportation. Crop diversity is
seen in Bharmoti Panchayat's agricultural practices, which illustrates the
area's adaptability. An agricultural landscape with a variety of major crops,
including wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and numerous vegetables, is produced.
This variation can improve dietary variety, increase food security, and open up
prospects for income diversification. Figure:01.1
The
above figure(figure 01.1 and 01.2) shows occupational structure and annual
income of surveyed householdsofBharmoti Panchayat and it is clearly visible
that most of the people are engaged in agriculture as their occupation. Table:02 Bharmoti
Panchayat: Land Division (in hectares)
Source:
DCHB,2011.DistrictCensusHandbook,Hamirpur,2011 Study shows that most of the people in
Bharmoti panchayat practice farming. Out of 51 people surveyed 40 answered that
they practiced farming while 11answeredthat they do not practicefarming. Figure:02.1
Figure:02.2 Bharmoti Panchayat: Reasons for Do Not Practicing Farming
Source: Field survey,2023. Table:03
Bharmoti Panchayat: Crops Grownin Different Seasons
Source: Department of Agriculture, Nadaun,2023 In the Bharmoti Panchayat, agriculture is the main source of employment for
the locals. The local farmers cultivate a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
The region is renowned for growing both seasonal and non-seasonal vegetables.
The majority of people own their agricultural land, but others occasionally
rent it out. People in this areaalso operate plant nursery and make more money
by selling plants because the local market offers decent MSP for plants. Agriculture
and horticulture are the region's main economic drivers. Another significant
crop farmed in Bharmoti Panchayat is wheat.Winter is when the crop is seeded,
and summer is when it is harvested. In this region, vegetables like tomatoes,
beans, cauliflower, and cabbage are cultivated. Both for domestic consumption
and for commercial use, the secropsare farmed. Most people cultivate their own
food with the intention of selling it for profit, however some just do so for
personal consumption, and a small number does so in return for the production
of other goods. Figure :03 Bharmoti Panchayat: Crops Grown in Different Seasons
Source: Field Survey, 2023. The above figure (figure :03) demonstrates that vegetables are cultivated
more than other crops throughout the kharif and rabi seasons. Throughout the
year, farmers set aside substantial amounts of land for vegetable cultivation.
Furthermore, producers can efficiently use the existing area because vegetables
are adaptable and can be cultivated in a variety of environments and
temperatures. A healthier population and sustainable farming practices are
benefited by the concentration on vegetable cultivation. Agriculture advancement in Bharmoti panchayat is likely to be result of a
combination of several factors such as irrigation facilities, government
policies, technological advancement and fertile soil. The availability of
market for agricultural produce is also an important factor for agricultural
advancement. High yield variety (HYV) seeds for maize, vegetables, fodder,
pulses, and oilseeds are made available in Bharmoti Panchayat by agricultural
departments and the commercial sector. The availability of water for irrigation
can assist farmers in overcoming the difficulties caused by erratic rainfall
and dry spells and ensuring a constant crop output. Farmers in Bharmoti
Panchayat purchased fertilizer from cooperative organizations and input
distributors. Because commercial fertilizers contain the essential elements
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), which are crucial for plant
nutrition. Tractors, power tillers, seed drillers, wheat reapers with binder
and thrashers are just a few examples of the machinery utilized in Bharmoti
Panchayat to boost productivity, speed, and efficiency while shortening the
time needed to execute various farming tasks. Several factors have contributed
to the agricultural improvement in Bharmoti Panchayat, including the farmers
adoption of modern agricultural practices like high-yielding crop varieties,
improved irrigation systems, and better pest management techniques. Despite these gains in agriculture, the region still faced numerous natural and man-made obstacles, and a number of problems that farmers encounter can have a significant influence on their ability to produce food and sustain their family. These issues may be attributed to a number of factors, including market shifts, technological and educational barriers, lack of access to resources, and climate change. Figure:04
Bharmoti Panchayat: Problems Facedby Famers
Source: Field survey,2023. A number of problems that farmers face can significantly affect their
ability to produce food and provide for their families. These issues could be
attributed to a number of factors, including market shifts, financial
constraints, lack of access to technology and knowledge, and climate change.
Figure:04 makes it very evident that the majority of people experience natural
disasters and extreme weather conditions like drought, storms and heat waves
that can harm plant growth and crop soil. Crop productivity is significantly
impacted by changes in weather patterns. Lack of funding limits farmers
capacity to purchase necessary inputs and resources, which lowers productivity
and agricultural yields. Another major issue is that farmers may not be able to
buy fertilizers, pesticides, and new technology, which would limit their
ability to maximize productivity. Another crop failure issue is brought on by
numerous crop diseases that lower yield, quality, and productivity and cause
financial loss for farmers. Despite the numerous issues which farmers in Bharmoti Panchayat come
across, they have consistently been able to raise the quantity of crops they
yield. This has been made possible by the several policies and programmes that
have been implemented down. Table number 04 lists the various programmes and
schemes that have been implemented into action in Bharmoti Panchayat in order
to help farmers and boost agricultural development. Table:04 Bharmoti
Panchayat: Different Schemes and Their Benefits
Source:Createdby
Author. |
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| Findings |
1. Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Bharmoti
Panchayat, with the majority of its inhabitants engaged in farming. 2. The majority of farmers in Bharmoti Panchayat grows
vegetables. Maize, oilseeds, beans, and wheat are among notable crops. The
majority of farmers are small and marginal farmers. 3. The agricultural in Bharmoti panchayat faces various
challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, pests and diseases and
market instability. These challenges need to be addressed to ensure long-term
productivity and profitability. |
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| Conclusion |
In a nutshell of this discussion, it can be argued that
agricultural pursuits are essential to guaranteeing food security and advancing
sustainable development. In addition to being a significant source of
employment, money, and economic growth, agriculture also serves as a food
source. The bulk of the inhabitants in Bharmoti Panchayat work largely in
agriculture, which is a significant economic activity in most rural
communities. Agriculture provides farmers and their families with food, work
opportunities, and income. In Bharmoti Panchayat, vegetables are grown by the
majority of farmers. Other noteworthy crops include maize, oilseeds, beans, and
wheat. Small and marginal farmers make up most of the farming population. The
global agricultural industry must handle a number of concerns, including climate
change, water scarcity, pests and diseases, and market instability, in order to
ensure long-term output and profitability. Promote modern agricultural
practices, give access to technology, education, and training, as well as
market links, to ensure that farmers can produce and sell their produce at fair
prices and make investments in their farms. Governments, lawmakers, and private
sector must work together to support agriculture, improve farmer lives, and
contribute to global food security. High-yield crop types, improved irrigation
techniques, and expanded access to markets and money are just a few examples of
the steps that have been done to strengthen agricultural practices and raise
output. |
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| Suggestions for the future Study | Sustainable agricultural practices can help farmers produce more while preserving the environment. Governments should use awareness-raising initiatives and financial incentives to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices. By diversifying their crop portfolios, farmers can lower risk and increase profitability. Governments should encourage farmers to plant a range of crops by assisting in the development of new crops and providing incentives for farmers to diversify. Farmers require market access in order to sell their produce. Governments should assist farmers in establishing contacts with both domestic and international markets. By creating market infrastructure, improving logistics and transportation, and disseminating market data, this can be achieved. Many farmers find it challenging to invest in their operations because they have little access to funding. Governments and businesses should offer finance at competitive rates and with solutions that are beneficial to farmers. It is recommended that governments invest in technology and make it available to farmers to increase output. Technology may help farmers in a number of different ways. They can use it to automate irrigation, keep an eye on the moisture content of the soil, and enhance crop management. |
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| References | 1. Dev, S. M., Rao, N. C., & Sharma, A. K. (2019). Indian
agriculture in the 21st century: Challenges and opportunities. Indian Journal
of Agricultural Economics, 74(2), 153-167. |
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