State of Mountain Agriculture in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas: A Regional Comparative Analysis

This study provides a broad, regional picture of the state of mixed crop-livestock mountain agriculture (excluding purely pastoral systems) across the Hindu Kush-Himalayas (HKH), based on an analysis of the empirical data obtained from national government publications. The HKH mountain farming systems have three main integrated components: staple food crops, horticultural and cash crops, and livestock. Data on these key components were obtained for selected mountainous provinces, states, and regions of five HKH countries -- Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The broad trends and patterns in mixed crop-livestock mountain agriculture across the region are identified and their implications for long-term sustainability discussed. The results suggest that overall mountain farmers are maintaining a relatively stable production of food grain crops. At the same time there is an increasing trend towards crop diversification with rapid expansion of production and marketing of cash crops, albeit with warning signs of a decline in productivity. The number of stall-fed goats and buffaloes is rising, and there are signs of considerable growth potential for smallholder dairy farming. Readers will find this book to be a valuable introduction to mixed crop-livestock agriculture in the HKH and a useful source of background statistical information.