Contour Plantation of Orchards in the Hills

Abstract

In order to obtain the maximum production from the present land, it is essential to use the available natural resources most judiciously. To keep the land productive a good conservation programme is imperative. In hills, where slopes are very steep, precipitation is high but the climate is good for growing fruit plants and forest, so a programme should be such as to take advantage of this good climate and be effective to conserve the soil and water there.

"Afforestation is comparatively a heavy investment from which returns come in small doses and also after long period and as such a poor competitor for funds". Cultivation no doubt gives earliest return but that is also not possible without incurring heavy expenditure in bench terracing. Orchards with cheap soil conservation practices are of vital importance in developing the economy of the country in general and standard of living of hill people. Plantation of orchards on contours enables better conservation of soils moisture and can produce early and economic returns in the hills.