Agroforestry in Himachal Pradesh: Status, challenges and future perspectives

Abstract

Agroforestry is a traditional practice in Himachal Pradesh as is evident from the trees retained by farmers on their farmland. Topographical features, socio-economic conditions, cultural and aesthetic value may be the key drivers behind this traditional
sustainable land use. Farmers are continuing with management of their traditionally developed systems due to lack of scientific interventions based on prior research regarding the agroforestry technology. For the development of any location specific technology, prior knowledge regarding the basis on which it relies and the goal towards which it is to be directed plays an important role. With increasing population, urbanization, industrialization etc., there is an increasing demand for the alternate land use system that can cope with the developmental activities in a sustainable manner. In the lap of Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, a biodiversity rich state, is also on the track of developmental activities resulting in the loss of diversity. Agroforestry technology acts as a bridge between the developmental activities and conservation of resources in a sustainable manner. The present article provides an insight into the various agroforestry practices prevalent in different
agro-ecological zones of the state. Further, structural composition of the agroforestry systems along with their production potential in terms of biomass and economic viability has been reviewed. Various challenges associated with the agroforestry in the state along with the potential perspectives towards which the research and extension activities should be directed have been
discussed in the article.