AN OVERVIEW OF FARMING SYSTEM AND NWDPRA IN TRIBAL AREAS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Diversified Farming System is one of the main constituents of the National
Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) to enable the farmers
of a specified area to obtain maximum possible returns in addition to ensure a
balanced productive system in the farming. But, various field experiences have shown
the reluctance of farmers in adopting a complete package of practices recommended
under the system due to various constraints. To explore these constraints, the study
conducted in the “Chaura Watershed” of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh revealed
the main constraints as (i) non-availability of inputs timely such as improved varieties’
seeds / seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.; (ii) high cost of inputs and lack of finance
for purchasing them; (iii) undulating small land holding having low fertility due to
frequent soil erosion; (iv) inclement weather conditions particularly at critical stagesof
crop growth; (v) road blockade at the time of transportation, inadequate supply of
packaging material and lack of remunerative prices for quality produce; (vi) lack of
technical guidance in complete package of technology; (vii) lack of farmers’
participation in the development work; (viii) low frequency of on-campus as well as
off-campus training for farmers particularly for Mitra Kisans (Friend Farmers) and
Gopals (Care-takers of common/waste land development activities); and (ix) lack of
adequate publicity regarding implementation and functioning of the project. In
addition, some strategical points for promoting the adoption of diversified farming
system have also been discussed in the paper.