An overview of farming system and NWDPRA in tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh

Diversified Farming System is one of the main constituents of the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) to enable the farmers of a specified area to obtain maximum possible returns in addition to ensure a balanced productive system in the farming. But, various field experiences have shown the reluctance of farmers in adopting a complete package of practices recommended under the system due to various constraints. To explore these constraints, the study conducted in the “Chaura Watershed” of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh revealed the main constraints as (i) non-availability of inputs timely such as improved varieties’ seeds/seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.; (ii) high cost of inputs and lack of finance for purchasing them; (iii) undulating small land holding having low fertility due to frequent soil erosion; (iv) inclement weather conditions particularly at critical stagesof crop growth; (v) road blockade at the time of transportation, inadequate supply of packaging material and lack of remunerative prices for quality produce; (vi) lack of technical guidance in complete package of technology; (vii) lack of farmers’ participation in the development work; (viii) low frequency of on-campus as well as off-campus training for farmers particularly for Mitra Kisans (Friend Farmers) and Gopals (Care-takers of common/waste land development activities); and (ix) lack of adequate publicity regarding implementation and functioning of the project. In addition, some strategical points for promoting the adoption of diversified farming system have also been discussed in the paper.