Issues in food security are becoming a prime concern over the globe partly due to increase in population and because of food scarcity. In the Garhwal region, where subsistence cereal crops dominate the agricultural system, food scarcity has become a common phenomenon. The reason behind this is the lack in expansion and modernization of agricultural fields and a tremendous growth in population. The farming community of the region is searching for new possibilities to enhancie crop productivity through changes in farming systems using trial and error methods but until now, no specific farming system has been established that can maintain food security for the poor farmers of the region. The cropping pattern has been transformed from cultivation of subsistence crops to paddy and wheat, mainly in the low-lying areas. Cash generating crops such as off-season vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants are getting a footing slowly but steadily as the agro-ecological conditions of the region have the potentials for cultivating these crops.
This article examines the potentials of subsistence and cash generating crops keeping food security in view and suggests a best practice for cultivating suitable crops, which could lead a way for food security for the next generation. A case study of 62 Nepali households in the Khanda Gad sub-watershed was carried out. It was also supported by participatory observation method after routine field visits.
