The Himalayas are characterised by highly complex socioecological systems, with rich cultural diversity linked with equally rich biological diversity. However, it is a paradox that the majority of people living in this biologically rich region are among the poorest in the world. Agriculture, being the most dependable livelihood option available to these people has evolved significantly over the centuries to cater to their subsistence needs. Based on the agro-climatic zones and farming practices, the Himalayas can be broadly categorised into five major systems. Each of these systems can be characterised by
i) specialised pastoralism (purely livestock based, a high altitude transhuman subsistence livelihood);
ii) mixed mountain agropastoralism (livestock, agriculture and agroforestry livelihoods based in the mid hills);
iii) cereal based hill farming systems (agriculture based livelihoods in the low and mid hill areas);
iv) shifting cultivation (livelihoods based on rotational agroforestry with slash and burn practices) and
v) specialised commercial systems (livelihoods based on monoculture and other commercial crops).
In each of these specialised systems, there is a variation in crops and cropping patterns which supports a wide range of agro-biodiversity that is the sources of food, nutrients and economic prosperity for the region.
