Question:
How does the Himalayan ecosystem regulate the cropping pattern and agricultural activities in the Himalayan region in India? Discuss
(UPSC 2025, Paper 2, Geography Optional PYQ)
Answer.
The Himalayan ecosystem plays a decisive role in shaping agriculture in the Himalayan region of India. Due to its unique combination of altitude, climate, soil, slope, and hydrology, the region exhibits highly specialized cropping patterns and agricultural practices that differ significantly from those of the plains, plateau, or islands.
What is Cropping Pattern?
Cropping pattern refers to the distribution and arrangement of crops grown over a particular area during a specific period, influenced by factors like:
- Climate (temperature, rainfall)
- Soil characteristics
- Relief and topography
- Water availability
- Socio-economic conditions
- Technology and infrastructure
Himalayan Ecosystem: Key Characteristics Affecting Agriculture
The Himalayan ecosystem includes states like:
- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Hill regions of West Bengal (Darjeeling)
Major Ecological Features
Altitudinal variation (from 300 m to >5000 m)
- Fragile slopes and soil erosion risk
- Cold climate and short growing season
- High rainfall in the eastern Himalayas
- Glacial and snow-fed river systems
- Terraced landscapes
These factors directly regulate cropping choices and agricultural activities in the following ways-
1. Altitude Determines Crop Zones
Altitude is the most important factor.
(a) Low Hills (Up to 1000 m)
Warm climate
Longer growing season
Crops:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Maize
- Sugarcane
Example: Shivalik and foothill areas
(b) Middle Himalayas (1000–2500 m)
Moderate temperature and high rainfall.
Crops:
- Maize
- Barley
- Potato
- Pulses
- Horticultural crops
This is the most agriculturally active zone.
(c) High Himalayas (Above 2500 m)
Very cold and short growing period.
Crops:
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Millets
- Peas
Example: Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti
2. Climate Controls Cropping Seasons
The Himalayan ecosystem regulates:
- Short cropping duration
- Dependence on monsoon and snowmelt
Cropping Seasons:
- Kharif: Rice, maize, millets
- Rabi: Wheat, barley, mustard
- Zaid: Limited due to the cold climate
3. Relief and Slope Shape Farming Methods
Steep slopes prevent mechanized farming.
Hence:
- Terrace farming developed
- Small fragmented landholdings
- Soil conservation techniques
4. Soil Type Influences Crop Selection
Himalayan soils are:
- Thin and immature
- Prone to erosion
- Low fertility
Therefore:
- Farmers prefer low-input crops
- Organic farming is common
5. Water Availability Regulates Irrigation
Dependence on:
- Glacial meltwater
- Springs (Naulas)
- Rainfall
This leads to:
- Rainfed agriculture
- Limited irrigation infrastructure
Specific Cropping Patterns in Himalayan India
1. Subsistence Mixed Farming
Most common pattern.
Farmers grow:
- Food grains
- Vegetables
- Fodder crops
Purpose: Household consumption.
2. Shifting Cultivation (Jhum)
Practiced in Eastern Himalayas:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Meghalaya hills
- Characteristics:
- Forest clearing
- Temporary cultivation
- Soil fertility decline
3. Horticulture-Based Cropping Pattern
A major transformation has occurred in recent decades.
Examples:
- Apple (Himachal, Kashmir)
- Tea (Darjeeling)
- Orange (Sikkim)
- Cardamom (Eastern Himalayas)
- This is called "the Horticulture Revolution" of the Himalayas.
4. Pastoral Farming
In high altitudes:
- Sheep rearing
- Yak grazing
- Seasonal migration (transhumance)
5. Organic Farming Zones
Sikkim is India’s first 100% organic state.
Reasons:
- Low chemical input
- Environmental sensitivity
- Agricultural Activities in the Himalayan Region
1. Terrace Farming
Most prominent adaptation.
Benefits:
- Reduces soil erosion
- Conserves water
- Enables cultivation on slopes
2. Agroforestry
Combination of:
- Crops + trees + livestock
Helps:
- Maintain soil fertility
- Reduce landslides
3. Horticulture Development
High income from:
- Fruits
- Spices
- Floriculture
4. Transhumance
- Seasonal livestock movement:
- Summer: High pastures
- Winter: Low valleys
5. Traditional Irrigation Systems
Examples:
- Kuls (Himachal)
- Zings (Ladakh)
- Bamboo drip irrigation (Northeast)
Challenges Affecting Cropping Pattern
- Climate change
- Glacial retreat
- Soil erosion
- Landslides
- Fragmented landholdings
- Market access problems
The Himalayan ecosystem plays a fundamental regulatory role in determining cropping patterns and agricultural activities through its influence on altitude, climate, relief, soil, and water resources. This has resulted in unique adaptive farming systems such as terrace cultivation, horticulture-based agriculture, and transhumance.
However, increasing environmental fragility and climate change pose serious challenges, making sustainable mountain agriculture essential for ecological and livelihood security
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