Himachal’s agriculture sector faces uncertain future

The future of agriculture in the state appears grim, with erratic weather conditions over the past few years and shifting crop harvesting timelines driving the youth away from the agriculture sector.

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With 90 per cent of the state’s population residing in rural areas, approximately 70 per cent are engaged in agriculture. A variety of crops such as wheat, maize, vegetables, pulses and several fruits, including apples, are grown in Himachal Pradesh. However, various factors are adversely affecting the total agricultural output. According to experts in the field, if current trends continue, the state of agriculture in Himachal Pradesh could deteriorate significantly over the next 10 to 15 years. Over the years, the state has seen a decline in its agriculture produce, which has made life increasingly difficult for families dependent on farming, leaving them with no choice but to seek alternative means of livelihood. As a result, thousands of youths from farming backgrounds migrate each year to nei