Diversification of Small and Marginal Farms in Himachal Pradesh

Diversification in agriculture is considered as an important means for rapid economic growth and development in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. It includes shift in cropping pattern, i.e., growing high-value crop in place of traditional crops, and adoption of allied activities like dairy, poultry, fishery, sheep and goat rearing, and horticulture, etc. The present study seeks to examine the extent of agricultural diversification in Himachal Pradesh through a comparative analysis of crop diversification, in tribal and non-tribal areas. An attempt has also been made to find out the reasons for decrease in diversification over time. Herfindhal and Entropy indices are used to determine the degree of crop diversification in the sampled farms. The results show high level of crop diversification in tribal area and among small farmers. Further, between 1980-90 and 2004-05, the number of crops decreased resulting in low level of diversification in both the areas of the state.