Resource use efficiency optimization of major farming systems in hills of Himachal Pradesh

Using primary data of 240 farmers, this study examines the resource use efficiency of predominant farming systems in the hills of Himachal Pradesh and optimizes the existing resource use using linear programming technique. Six predominant farming systems were identified in the study area and dairy was an important component in each farming system which indicates the importance of livestock in the study area. The study reveals the under-utilization of inputs in all farming systems. The optimization results indicate that there is a substantial scope for increasing per farm net income through an optimal use of the existing resources. The increase in the availability of binding resources can enhance the per farm net income of the farmers indicating the need to make scarce resources available to the hill farmers for increasing their income and improving livelihood security.