College of Basic Science & Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, India.
The present investigation was carried out in the hilly and plain areas of Uttarakhand to analyze the economic efficiency of two entirely different agro-ecosystems. Agriculture concentrated mainly between 1000-2000 m elevation belts has been studied and is the primary occupation of about 80% people of the state. The agriculture is practised as a mixed farming system where the crops, livestock, and forests are the integral part of this agro-ecosystem. The subsistence agriculture of this region is characterized by small land holding as small crop fields over rugged terrain with a limited scope for irrigation and mechanization. The input output analysis of various crops indicates that the cultivation of vegetables in both the agro-ecosystem is beneficial from economic point of view. However in hill agro- ecosystem vegetables and pseudocereals should be encouraged because both the crops are having maximum input. Moreover, these are organically produced crops and thus are eco-friendly in nature. this will help in improving the economy of the local people.
Economic efficiency, Mountains, Livestock, Vegetables
