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Sustainable Horticultural Farming in the Mountain Regions - A Case for the Pindar Basin of Central Himalaya Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, Ph. D. Associate Professor and Head Department of Geography Eritrea Institute of Technology P. O. Box 11370, ASMARA Eritrea, N. E. Africa E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Economic backwardness and fragility of the terrain in the mountain areas demand more attention for sustainable development and restoration of environment. Traditional cultivation of cereal crops could not meet with the food need of the inhabitants. Keeping with food insecurity in mind, the inhabitants of the mountain region are being outmigrated in the foothills and plains of its surrounding. These crops are not much economically viable. Horticultural practices including cultivation of fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are more suited for economic development and environmental restoration. To maintain environmental restoration and food security, sustainable horticultural farming is indeed inevitable in these areas. The study area, the Pindar basin constitutes one of the remote areas of the Uttaranchal Himalaya. Characterized by rough, rugged and precipitous slopes, this region is very poor among the poorer regions of the Himalayas. The subsistence cereal crops, particularly millets, wheat and rice, characterize the farming system. The economic viability of these crops is just negligible, while, the entire basin has the potential for growing almost all kinds of fruits and vegetables. The ecological conditions from subtropical to temperate and alpine provide the wide range of suitability for cultivation of fruits, flowers, herbs and vegetables. Furthermore, the vertical expansion of the landscape as a form of valleys, mid slopes and high reaches give a base for sustainable horticultural farming. Already, the cultivation of fruits and vegetables exits in the entire land but they are domesticated and their commercial viability is unsustainable. The present paper aims to evaluate the existing potential of horticultural faming in the Pindar basin, on the one hand and on the other, to discuss ecological conditions, which are quite suited for sustainable horticultural farming. Kea Words: Sustainable horticultural farming, ecological conditions, subsistence cereal crops, economic viability, Pindar basin, Uttaranchal Himalaya Introduction Horticultural practice in the Himalayas has the great importance not only for economic development but also for environmental restoration. In the entire Himalayan mountain system, from Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya to Assam Himalaya, the practice of horticulture is centuries old, which includes varieties of fruits along with availability of there high quality and quantity. In terms of the Pindar basin, which is centrally located in the Himalayan system, the practice of horticulture does not get commercial level; only it is cultivated domestically. The climatic conditions ranging from sub-tropical (low-lying river valleys) to Alpine and cold, (highly elevated regions) are though suited for varieties of fruit cultivation, yet, the benefit of this could not utilize by the residents, who are working in the agricultural fields. Besides, less proportion of land devoted for fruit cultivation along with domestic production of fruits, varieties of fruit cultivated in the basin ranging from mango-guavapapaya, stone-net, citrus to apple in the different elevations. Among the citrus fruit, lemon, elephant citrus, orange, malta, keeno and others are prominent. Along with cultivated fruits, varieties of wild fruits are also found in the jungle locally known as danda. Along with this, cultivation of vegetables is also carried out in the slopes of the basin in different altitudes. In the Pindar Basin, undulating terrain constitutes the most fragile elements of the ecosystem. Traditional economy rests on the terraced cultivation with extremely limited viability to expansion and modernization. Consequently, low economic return remains the characteristic feature of the agrarian landscape. It is the common experience that the ecological conditions of the basin are more suited to fruit cultivation rather than cereal farming (Atkinson 1889 a). Along with fruit cultivation, tea garden practice and cultivation of seasonal vegetables will boost up the regional economy (Sati, V. P and Kumar Kamlesh, 2004). The Pindar Basin is outstanding not only because of its high elevation and its frigid climate, but also because of the horizontal and vertical differentiation among areas. From the valley region to the north border, sub-tropical humid and bio-climatic conditions change step by step in to temperate, sub-temperate and alpine zones (Atkinson, 1889 b). Horticultural farming is even more overwhelming, owing to the presence of numerous mountains that transverse and tower above the surface and have relative relief ranging from 442 up to 7816m. The climate is varied from place to place depending upon different factors, such as altitude, direction of slope and distance from snow-clad peaks. Out of these factors, altitude is most important one in determining broad features of climate of particular region, such as temperature, moisture and rainfall. Similarly, horticultural farming is also varied from one altitude to another due to variation in the given factors. The development of horticulture in the Pindar Basin is the result of the process of interaction between the physical and cultural elements over a period of centuries. Although, the role of physical factors in the development of horticulture of the area is significant as in the other areas of Himalaya, but the present horticultural practice in the basin has been profoundly influenced by the traditional practices. The basin is passing through the underdeveloped stage of horticulture because; the populace of the region is not very much interested to transform their agricultural fields into horticulture on the one hand, and on the other the farmers have low income. Geographical Location of the Study Area The Pindar Basin comprising of 1826.0 km2 extends from 30o N to 30o 18’N latitude and 79o 13’ E to 80o E longitude. It represents the eastern part of the Garhwal Himalaya with height ranging between 800 m to 6800 m. River Pindar originates from the ‘Pindari Glacier’ in district Almora (32 km) and flowing an approximate 124 km with its numerous tributaries, confluence into the Alaknanda River at Karanprayag in Chamoli district. The watersheds of Ram Ganga in the south, the Saryu in the east, Mandakini in the north and the Alaknanda in the northwest delimit the basin, giving it a distinct sociogeographical identity. This basin consists of the five community development blocks of the district Chamoli, viz., Karanprayag, Gairsen, Narainbagar, Tharali and Dewal in ascending order from lower to higher altitude and a part of Kapkot block in Bageshwar district. Necessity for Horticultural Farming The above-mentioned description in terms of landscape, climatic conditions, development of agricultural farming and land-use pattern denotes that the Pindar basin is characterized by undulating terrain, steep slopes, varied elevation, different climatic zones, low production and productivity of crops and fragility of terrain. The viability of fruit cultivation is extremely high in view of economic development and environmental restoration. Because horticultural farming is the economic necessity of the basin’s people on the one hand and on the other it will help for the conservation of environment in this ecologically fragile mountain terrain. Furthermore, the climatic conditions are very suitable for all types of fruit cultivation, particularly for citrus and apple fruits, which can commercially be grown in the entire basin. In the various vertical climatic zones, fruits from sub-tropical to temperate can be grown keeping suitability of fruit in view. The necessity of horticultural farming in the basin is as follows: 1. The entire basin is landslide prone and fragile. To reduce fragility, plantation is inevitable. If the fruit plants will be planted in these areas, the poverty in the region would be reduced. 2. The basin is characterized by subsistence cereal farming. Production and productivity of the crops is very low, even unable to meet the food grain need of the people. The practice of horticulture would definitely raise the income of the people and will augment more employment. The Pindar Basin provides suitable climatic conditions for growing various fruits plants. From the valley region (500m sub-tropical), which is suitable for production of mango, guava and papaya to the temperate zone (1800), congenial for apple, citrus and stone fruits, wide varieties of plants are grown in the basin. The upper reaches of the basin and its numerous tributaries such as Kail, Pranmati, Kulasari nala, Ming gadhera, Kaiwar Gadhera, Chopta gad and Ata gad provide an ample humidity and water parting near snow-clad peaks provides cool winds for apple fruits. Up to 1800 m, apples grow while 1200 to 1800m, citrus fruits planted. Stone fruits grow along with both apple and citrus fruits belts. Horticultural farming in the mountain regions Horticulture is a much recent land use change, which has succeeded in selected subregions, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir in the west. A change from traditional food crop cultivation to agro-horticultural systems succeeded largely because of economic incentives and monetary profits to the farmers, which were ensured through government subsidy, and market demands. Horticultural development in central and northeastern region is so far not as conspicuous as in the western Himalaya. Environmental and social costs of horticultural development are now being increasingly realized. Horticultural land use expansion often involves encroachment on forestland. Demands for packing the marketable produce becomes a pressing factor for unsustainable harvests from the forestland. Market forces and institutional set-up created for gearing horticultural development led to economic growth but at the cost of equity. Prosperous farmers benefited more than small and marginal farmers (Swarup & Sikka, 1987). Analogous to negative impacts fruit crops in western Himalaya, tea, coffee and rubber did contribute substantially to economic development in northeastern India, but also gave rise to social tensions. Social and environmental costs of these commercial production systems promoted directly or indirectly by the Government were perceived long after the progression of economic growth. There are a number of wild trees, shrubs and herbs, which supplement the nourishment of people in the hills. The knowledge of their uses and productive potential is declining. Reasons for this decline are many including absence of market, lack of tested technology/methods for cultivation and value addition, and weak public policies promoting uses of wild edibles. Distribution of Cultivated Fruits The distribution of cultivated fruits in the Pindar Basin depends upon the elevation of the slops. The various type of fruit plats distributed in the entire region, are divided in to five types; i.e., apple, stone, citrus, nut and mango. Altitude of the any region and area shows heterogeneity in the climate consequently, agriculture, horticulture, livestock and other economic activities vary by it resides in the different altitude. Vertical zonation of horticulture in the Pindar Basin with its intensity varies from sub-tropical, sub-temperate, temperate and alpine zones but only three former zones are suitable for horticultural crops. Alpine meadows are very much suitable for production of herbs. The main fruits of the basin are divided into three types (Sati, 2004) and they are grown according to the altitude and climates. The main fruits are as follows: Apple Fruits Apple fruits dominate among the other fruits grown in the basin. Delicious variety of apple fruit is also grown in the some localities in the basin. Mostly the given variety is grown in the upper reaches of the basin such as Ghais-Blan, Kurur-Kwarar, GwaldomLolti, Kalimati-Janglechatti, Sol-Dungri, Jakh-Dugri, Naini-Noti etc. These localities come under the temperate zone, which is located above 1800 m elevation from masl. The other regions of apple fruit cultivation are upper reaches of Pranmati Gad, Ming Gadhera, Kaiwar Gadhera, etc. Along with apple fruits, stone and nut fruits are also grown in which pear, peach, apricot, walnut, and nut are prominent. In the similar geographical regions, wild fruits are grown widely. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits are mostly grown in the sub-temperate zone between 1200 to 1800 m elevation in the middle reaches of the river and its tributaries. Orange, malta, keeno, elephant citrus, lemon and other variety of citrus are grown in the tributaries of the basin. Presently, the production is remarkable and they are sold in the regional and national markets. Citrus-Stone-Nut Fruits These fruits are grown mostly in the sub-tropical zone, between 800 to 1200m elevations in the lower valleys of the tributaries. Along with these fruits mango, guava and papaya are grown in the low-lying areas of the Pindar Basin below 800 m elevation. Flowers and Herbs Cultivation The cultivation of flowers does not utilized in the basin, while it potential in terms of production and productivity is very high, which can lead the sustainability of the mountain people. Similarly, herbs are extensively grown in the upper belts of pastureland. The highest percentage of herbs production (21.5) is shared by the Upper Kail and Pindar basins, particularly in the Alpine meadows locally known as Bugyals, such as Bedini Bugyal. There are extensive fields of flowers and medicinal plants particularly in the higher reaches and they can be cultivated for sustainable development along with maintaining ecology of the meadows. Table: 1 Fruits suitable for different altitudinal zones Name of Zone Valleys Suitable for Northeast and West Facing Slopes Temperate: Above 1800 m elevation Higher riches of the Pindar and Kail rivers Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry Suitable for South Facing Slopes Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry Sub-tributaries of Plum, Peach, Sub-temperate: the Pindar mostly in Apple, Pear, Apricot Apricot, Pecan, Nut, 1400-1800 m the mid to high and Cherry and Walnut slopes Mid slopes of the Apricot, Pecan, Nut, Sub-tropical Citrus, Peach, Pindar and its Chestnut and 800-1400 Plum, (Low Chilling) tributaries Walnut Low-lying areas of the Pindar and its Mango, Citrus, Mango, Citrus, Low-Lying Areas tributaries mostly in Guava, Papaya, Guava, Papaya, Below 800 m the confluence Banana Banana points Source: Adopted from V. P. Sati’s composed ‘Horticultural Development in Hills: A Case for the Alaknanda Basin’ New Delhi. Mittal Publication. Table no. 2 reveals block wise land under fruit plants (ha) and production (M. T.) during 1996-97 in four developmental blocks. The production of the fruits is mostly domesticated, which is not sufficient for sustainable livelihood of the populace and requires modification in the horticultural farming as a large scale. Table: 2 Block Wise land under Fruit Plants and Production (1996-97) Block Area (ha) % Production (in M. T.) % Per ha production (in M.T.) Tharali 1644.5 8.4 13307.3 15.4 6.1 Deval 825.0 4.2 1561.2 2.4 1.9 Narain Bagar 3409.5 17.5 5632.3 8.7 1.7 Karanprayag 1101.0 5.6 3356.3 5.2 3.0 Source: District Horticulture Department of Chamoli Cultivation of Vegetables Cultivation of vegetables in the mountain is economic needs as it proved already. The ecological conditions in the mountain regions are quite suitable for growing various kinds of vegetables with high level of production and productivity. Most of the areas in mountain are known for high quality and quantity of vegetables but some areas could not introduce the commercial scale of vegetables even though having the similar conditions. The traditional system of farming is prevailing in these areas. The Pindar basin of the central Himalaya is passing through the transitional stage of cultivation of traditional crops and vegetables. Recently, along with the motivation of the government and willingness of the inhabitants, due to high profit from the cultivation of vegetables, the people devoted their farming land into the cultivation of vegetables (potato in the highlands and onion in the lowlands). This trend is growing among the people and now more farmlands are being devoted into cultivation of vegetables. Though, the possibility for growing almost kind of vegetable is very high. Table: 3 Production (quintal) and productivity (per ha yield) of traditional crops and vegetables (2003) Name of case study village Elevation Traditional Crops (Millets, Wheat and Rice) Productiv ity Vegetables (Potato and Onion) Area Devoted Productio n Area Devoted 4.7 85 (ha) Kulsari 1150 460 (ha) 1700 (Rice and wheat) Kwarad 2200 380 (ha) 945 (Millets) 2.5 180 (ha) Khainoli 1900 385 (ha) 970 (Millets) 2.5 165 (ha) Kaiwer 1200 510 (ha) 1850 (Rice and wheat) 3.6 65 (ha) Dimri 550 465 (ha) 1600 (Rice and wheat) 4.4 55 (ha) Lolti 1800 370 (ha) 1005 (Millets) 2.7 136 (ha) Production 600 (Onion and other seasonal vegetables) 1800 (Potato and other seasonal vegetable) 1745 (Potato and other seasonal vegetables) 500 (Onion and other seasonal vegetables) 400 (Onion and other seasonal vegetables) 1600 (Potato and other seasonal vegetables) Produc tivity 7.1 10 10.5 7.6 7.2 11.7 Source of data: Surveyed by the author Table number 3 shows the area in ha and production (quintal) and productivity of traditional crops and vegetables. Six villages with different elevation have been selected for case study. The study exhibits that the highest percentage of land is devoted for traditional crops particularly for millets, wheat and rice but depending upon an altitude. In the high reaches, the land devoted for traditional crops is low in comparison to the lowland villages. On the other hand, the land devoted for vegetables is less varying in the low and high elevation. But when we look upon production and productivity it is highest in the vegetables in comparison to the traditional crops. Thus, it is confirmed that economic viability of horticultural farming is high in ecologically fragile mountain terrain, which can sustain the sustainability issues of the inhabitants of the region. In order to meet the present and future challenges meeting sustainability criteria, the traditional systems need to be adapted in ways which enhance crop yields but not at the environmental and social costs (Ramakrishnan et al., 1993). Efforts For Sustainable Horticultural Development in the Basin Development regarding horticultural practices in the basin is on the way and in this regards, the role of government and horticulture department is noteworthy. During 2000 to 2004, the horticulture department initiated the following efforts in the entire basin (Department of Horticulture-2004): 1. 11 unemployed youths of Pinder Valley were given training on construction of poly houses and its use, in the Division of Agricultural Engineering, IARI, New Delhi with view to develop entreprenuership. These youths are now instrumental in popularising the poly house technology in Uttaranchal hills. They have prepared another two batches of trained boys for construction of poly house. 2. 150 poly housed have been constructed in Tharali, Narayan Bagarh, and Debal blocks covering about 39 villages of Pinder Valley. 3. 35 poly houses installed at Kapkot block of Bhageswar District and another 30 poly houses have been fabricated and will be installed shortly. 4. 3 poly tunnels are ready for installation at village Ghesh of Debal block 5. Three solar drying systems have been installed at Debal and Narain Bagar. These are being used for drying of orange peels, fruits (Apricot) and vegetables. In this system fruits and vegetables retain their original colour and aroma. 6. Four training camps were conducted on cultivation of vegetables and their seed production under poly house condition in 2003. Around 85 farmers attended these trainings. 7. In the poly houses of lower altitudes, farmers are cultivating vegetables like spinach bottle gourd, bringal, capsicum, chilly, radish, squash, and onion. In general, the farmers in these hilly regions distribute vegetables to neighbors/relatives instead of selling. Some farmers are able to sell seedlings and vegetables in the local market. 8. In high altitude areas poly houses are being used for raising nursery of medicinal plants like Kut, Kutki, Salam Panja, Dolu, Choru in addition to vegetable crops. The raised nursery seedlings/saplings of these medicinal plants have been transplanted out side the poly houses. Growth of these plants is excellent. 9. The inflow of vegetables from lower altitudes/plains to higher altitudes has been reduced significantly. Few farmers are getting good returns from selling vegetables. 10. Irrigation facility has been provided to the beneficiaries of poly houses through pipeline at high altitude village Ghesh. Constructions of these irrigation facilities have been completed. 11. Documentation on the medicinal plants available in different parts of Uttaranchal has been planned. This document will contain the information like Local name, botanical name, medicinal use, photograph, herbarium and other useful information. So far, information regarding 80 medicinal plants has been documented. 12. Training programme on herbal and medicinal plants cultivation has been organized at Ghesh village. Around 60 farmers participated in the training programme. Observations The study reveals the following observations regarding sustainable horticultural farming in the basin: Radical changes have been taken place in the farming system. The marginal farmers changing their traditional system of agricultural farming into cash crops or off-season vegetables. The changing pattern of agrarian system can be seen everywhere in the entire basin but the intensity of change varies from one location to another and lowland to highland. Earlier the poor marginal farmers were struggling for two times meals because most of the traditional crops were not self-reliant and the food-grain need was based upon the import from foothills and plain region. Presently, most of the areas of the basin are not only self reliant but also they are exporting off-season vegetables, potato and onion are main and fruits, particularly citrus and apple to the regional markets. Tea garden practices are also carried out on the gentle slopes of the basin particularly on the course of rivers and roads. Some of the farmer communities working in the remote areas still don’t want to shift their traditional land either into cash crops or fruit cultivation. Although, a large number of families are being out-migrated yet due to the high growth of population, the pressure on the cultivated land is also increasing. The production of potato in the highlands and onion in the lowland is getting impressive position. Similarly, pulses and oilseeds particularly, the production of soyabeen and mustered oil is remarkable. The rate of self-sufficiency is gradually increasing among the farmers, but the issue of food security for the generation next is also getting attention because of high population growth and declining capacity and capability of land. As it is observed the population growth rate is high in the Indian Himalaya than to the rest of the country (2001 census). Conclusion In working out the horticultural farming in the Pindar Basin, the role of climate under influence of altitude, the nature and aspect of terrain seems to be the most unifying. Fruit and vegetable productivity is directly related with the meteorological conditions of the area. In the same altitudinal belt, windward and leeward sides offer suitable conditions for different types of fruit trees and vegetable along with herbs and tea garden. Besides climate, cultural factors are no less important. In the upper valleys, relatively low pressure (human and animal) of population also appears to be co-related with the area under horticulture. Optimum utilization of the favourable agro-climatic conditions for sustainable horticultural farming is the need of the hours. While, in the basin, horticultural farming could not get progressive position. Furthermore, lack of systematic planning was accentuated by inadequate and improper coordination between different governmental departments involved in the different stages of development programmes, scanty attention to the need for and requirements of various infra-structural facilities for sectoral scheme, inefficiency of the administration in the implementation of programmes, a multiplicity of programmes to meet the same goals, and faulty criteria for identifying beneficiaries in assistance linked to employment generation (Mehta 1990). In the field of horticulture, the basin is lagging behind in any proper rational planning consequently; the nature of horticultural farming is almost developing and potential. While, diversity in mountain areas requires a highly decentralized areas-based approach (Papola 1996), which has to be distinct not only from approaches for the plains, but should also differ significantly from area to area within the hill region. Whatever the situation is prevailing in the entire basin in terms of development of horticulture, it is indeed noteworthy to say that the geographical and climatic conditions are very suitable for the production of fruits plants both for economic development and environmental restoration. Now, it is the need of the hour that the land, which is not fit for growing agricultural crops, should be transformed for fruit plants. Along with this, community land and some patches of agricultural land should also be converted for the same purpose. The following suggestions are given for the development of horticulture in the different zones of the Pindar basin: 1. Fruit belts should be demarcated according to the feasibility of climate and altitude. 2. Community land, unmeasured land and barren land, which is otherwise not fit for cultivation of agricultural crops should be transformed in to fruit cultivation. 3. The entire basin is lagged behind in sufficient cold storage. At lease one cold storage should be constructed in each micro-drainage basin so that the fruits and vegetables can be utilized during the off-season. 4. In most of the area of the basin, horticultural products are not sold properly even high production due to inaccessibility of the place. Accessibility of the horticultural products areas should be made available so that the fruits can be sold in the regional and national market. 5. Fruit processing and preservation center should be established in each micro drainage basin. 6. Herbs are grown in the alpine meadows and these meadows are found extensively in the basin particularly in the high reaches of upper basin. These should be conserved and protected widely. 7. Tea garden practice along with horticultural farming should be given full priority so that the gentle slopes along the roads and streams sides can be fully utilized. References Atkinson, E. 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Uttaranchal: Dilemma of Plenties and Scarcities. New Delhi. Mittal Publication. Saxena P. B. 1988. A Modern Approach in Geography (A): For the Evaluation of Soils and Land-Form-Systems of Land Use Planning in Himalayan Eco-System of the Alaknanda Basin (Garhwal Himalaya). Delhi, Concept Publishing Company 38. Whiteman, PTS. (1988). Mountain Agronomy in Ethiopia, Nepal and Pakistan in NJR Allen et al. (eds) Human Impact on Mountians. New Jersey: Rowmand and Littlefield.