Agriculture (Himachal)
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Agriculture contributes nearly about 45% to the net state domestic product. It is the main source of income as well as employment in Himachal. About 93% of the state population depend directly upon agriculture.
However due to some reasons agriculture in the state suffers from certain limitations, specially in the production of food grains. One of these reason is that the area under cultivation can't be extended to an appreciable extent. Also reclamation of land on slopes of hills for cultivation of food grains is not economical. The state can profit more by cultivating cash crops as per the agro-climatic conditions. Another reason is that reclamation of land from the hills increase environmental degradation.
The main cereals grown in the state are wheat, maize, rice and barley. Kangra, Mandi and Paonta valley of Sirmaur district (to some extent) are the major producers of the first three cereals, while barley is mostly cultivated in Shimla.
Though the state is deficit in food grains, but it has gained a lot in other spheres of agricultural production such as seed potato, ginger, vegetables, vegetable seeds, mushrooms, chicory seeds, hops, olives and fig especially vegetables and seed potato which is disease free and good quality are providing a good income to the state. Seed potato is mostly grown in Shimla, Kullu and Lahaul areas.
Fruit cultivation has also proved to be an economic boon to the state. There are huge tracts of land suitable only for growing fruits. Fruit of all cultivation does not add to the problem of soil erosion and its employment potential is more than the conventional farming. The yield per acre in terms of income is also much higher. Apple produces the maximum income. Fruit growing in the state is fetching over Rs.300 crore annually. Special efforts are being made to promote cultivation of crops like olives, figs, hops, mushrooms, flowers, pistachio nuts, sarda melon and saffron. The state has also earned the name of the Apple State of India. [1]
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| Economy of Himachal Pradesh | |
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Agriculture | Animal Husbandry |
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Industry | Power |
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Social services | Transportation |
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Wildlife of Himachal Pradesh |
