Structure and Functioning of Traditional Hill Agroecosystems of Garhwal Himalaya

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A detailed ecological analysis of the energetics and biomass utilization patterns of the existing traditional hill agroecosystems in three different localities/villages situated along an alititudinal transect in the outer Garhwal Himalaya was performed in order to understand the functions of the hill agroecosystem in relation to current environmental perspectives. In general, the energy efficiency (considering green biomass obtained from agroforestry tree species, weeds and herbaceous vegetation growing on the bunds as an auxiliary output) of the agroecosystems of this region is low. The annual energy output and input ratio on a per hectare basis was maximal (5.80) for Jaidevpur village (lower altitude), followed by Dalimsain (middle altitude) and Hathnur (higher altitude). Since Jaidevpur is located in the foot hills where the agricultural land is flat and completely irrigated, and people also practice semi-mechanized agriculture, grain yield was observed to be higher than in Dalimsain and Hathnur. However, in the absence of agroforestry tree species in Jaidevpur, people were forced to depend more on the forests for their fodder, fuelwood and other requirements than in Dalimsain and Hathnur, where the agroforestry component was found to be strong. Dalimsain derived only 5% of its total fodder demand from the forest while Hathnur was observed to be self-sufficient in fodder and fuelwood requirements. Further, on rainfed, terraces the grain yield was higher for the kharif season (April-October) crops than the rabi season (November-March) crops, owing to the availability of rain water during the monsoon. The characteristic feature of the hill agroecosystem was its organic base. Farmyard manure was observed to be the main input in to the agroecosystems. Agriculture in the hill areas is not easily adapted to industrialized techniques, partly because of the topography and partly because of socio-economic considerations. In the face of the prevailing environmental conditions, with natural resources declining at a rapid rate, the efficiency and sustainability of the hill agroecosystems should be restored through the strengthening of the agroforestry component and efficient biomass utilization employing appropriate technological inputs. Such technologies should build upon the empirical knowledge of the local people and their perceptions. In addition to this incorporation of technological inputs, short term economic benefits should be included in any development programme at the same time as long term strategies. This type of approach would be appreciated by the local communities and would readily find their acceptance and effective participation in the programme.