Indian Journal of Ecology

The sustainable agriculture is a holistic approach that covers use of existing resources (viz. soil, water and biodiversity etc.) to meet the requirement of present and future generations. The agriculture sustainability not only underpins the global food security but also ensure profitability, environmental health and social and economic equity. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is one of the most fragile ecosystems that have faced significant transformation due to harsh environmental conditions, habitat degradation and fragmentation. Despite the huge abundance of natural resources in the IHR, the farmers still practice subsistence agriculture due to poor infrastructure, lack of facilities and vulnerability from natural disasters. The goals for no poverty and zero hunger specified in SDG 1 and SDG 2 can only be achieved by sustainable agriculture. This paper reviews the status of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with respect to the constraints challenging the agricultural sustainability, and potentials which offer scope and opportunities for the food, nutrition and economic security of hill people. Several international organizations are feeling concerned about the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the social and economic security. Government of India has set up five thematic working groups to study and report the status of agriculture in the IHR. The aim is to contribute towards sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region.