Agro-ecology, Climate Resilient Farming & Livelihood Enhancement in Border Villages of Indian Himalayan Region

The Himalayan region is characterized by a wide range of agro-climatic regions and farming systems. The region also harbours a multitude of cultures and ethnic groups who have inherited tremendous knowledge on the farming systems and have conserved numerous land races and crop varieties including millets, cereals, pseudo-cereals, and vegetable crops since centuries. The local communities have continuously selected, experimented and developed different cropping patterns which are time tested and suited to local climate. Many crop varieties, especially millets and pseudo-cereals have survived and withstood climatic variation and extreme climatic events. Apart from being a source of food, they provide fodder for cattle which thereby reduces the pressure on grazing fields and forests and helps to balance the delicate ecosystem in the Himalayan region. However, information on climate resilient crop varieties and ability of traditional crops to withstand climate variability have not been investigated and documented adequately. Information on these parameters would be crucial to make mountain agriculture climate resilient, economically gainful and nutritionally secure. Finally to add value to our existing crop systems for long term sustainable management.

I. COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND SOCIAL DYNAMICS

• PERIOD OF ACTIVITY: THREE YEARS
• MANPOWER: SOCIAL SCIENTIST – 1
• COMMUNITY MOBILIZER – 6 (LOCAL LEVEL)
• SUPPORT FROM PROJECT: 90 % SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY 5% , IA 5%

II. DOCUMENTATION OF AGRO-ECOLOGY LANDSCAPE AND CROP VIABILITY ANALYSIS

• PERIOD OF ACTIVITY – 2.5 YEARS
• MANPOWER: SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS, FIELD ASSISTANTS, CONSULTANTS

III. CAPACITY BUILDING OF FARMERS

• PERIOD OF ACTIVITY – 3 YEARS
• MANPOWER: SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, FIELD WORKER – 1 EACH FOR PROJECT AREA

IV. INTRODUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES

V. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEED BANKS

VI. POST HARVEST ACTIVITIES

• PERIOD – 2 YEARS
• PROCESSING AND DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS

VII. VII. MARKETING VIII. DOCUMENTATION AND ACTION RESEARCH

• Uttarakhand State Council of Science & Technology(UCOST)
• Government of Uttarakhand
• Government of Himachal Pradesh
• Government of Sikkim

The project will bring about results in the following spheres:

1. Capacity Building of Farmers
2. Towards awareness and knowledge enhancement on the nutraceutical and economic value of the traditional agro-ecology being practiced.
3. On improved production practices for the crops for high quality and higher production.
4. On Seed production and certification and labelling as well as marketing.
5. On Institution Building and management of Community Based Organization.
6. On Marketing Skills On Processing Skills, use of machinery and other modern technology.