CHANGING TRENDS OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENT OF UTTARAKHAND HILLS (A CHALLENGE)

Agricultural development has been sluggish, and has failed to keep pace with population growth. In recent years the yields of major food crops in Uttarakhand have been lower than other South Asian countries and Uttarakhand is now dependent on food imports. Land holding size per family and field sizes has both decreased markedly during recent years. If hill regions are considered independently, all cereal crops yields have stagnated in the last 30 years and gains in production that have been made. Crop productivity in the hills has declined due to land degradation. Agricultural development has been sluggish, and has failed to keep pace with population growth. In recent years the yields of major food crops in Uttarakhand have been lower than other South Asian countries and Uttarakhand is now dependent on food imports. Land holding size per family and field sizes has both decreased markedly during recent years. If hill regions are considered independently, all cereal crops yields have stagnated in the last 30 years and gains in production that have been made. Crop productivity in the hills has declined due to land degradation. Changes in agricultural practices (including changes in crops and crop production, impacts of livestock overgrazing) are having major and far reaching impacts on natural environment.