The impact of cement industries on the cropping systems of adjoining areas

The present study on the impact of cement industries on cropping systems of adjoining areas was conducted in Darlaghat area of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh. The objectives of the study were to assess the changes in cropping systems in terms of cropped area under different crops and change in involvement level of community in farming sector so as to provide input for administrative decisions on the execution of developmental projects in hilly areas. The outcome of the study pointed out towards reduction in cropped area under different crops alongwith fall in the extent of community participation in different agricultural activities. The decline in crop production and shifting of people to other professions were also reported from the study area. It was recommended that planning in hills must be comprehensive in its scope and administrative input should be strategically apprehended.