Dynamics of Agricultural Production

Abstract

Since gaining its independence, India has experienced a sharp increase in agricultural production and yield particularly those of wheat and rice, during the Green Revolution period of the mid-1970s. However, most of the mountainous states, including Himachal Pradesh, have not been major beneficiaries of the Green Revolution. Still, there have been considerable changes in the agricultural scenario of the state, particularly after it attained statehood in the early 1980s. This paper therefore aims at analysing the spatial variations and dynamics of agricultural acreage, production, and yield in Himachal Pradesh during 1972–1975 and 2003–2006. The study is based on secondary data obtained from Directorates of Land Records, Horticulture and Agriculture. The study reveals that although the foodgrain crops still dominate the cropping pattern of Himachal Pradesh, the cultivated area is beginning to comprise more and more of highly remunerative crops, like fruits, off-season vegetables, and exotic vegetables. Production and yield level of maize, wheat, and rice has increased considerably, while barley and pulses experienced either stagnation or decline in the production and yield level during the study period. Moreover, there has been significant growth in the production and yield level of fruits (e.g. apple) and vegetables.