REPORTS / MEMIOGRAPH

Diversification of Rural Livelihood Strategies: A Study of Economic, Gender and Natural Resources Dimensions of Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh, Dr. C.S. Vaidya and Dr. Ranveer Singh, AERC, HPU, Shimla

The report is based on a study conducted in Himachal Pradesh to work out the economics of profitable farm options for diversified livelihood strategies, to analyze the management of natural resources and role of women production systems and study the marketing management of commercial crops and development policies of the state in relation to such crops.  The study concluded that the landings and cropping pattern both appear to be all right but there is a scope for improving input use structure, which can bridge the gap between on-farm and optimal experimental productivities of various crops.  One of the main objectives of this study was to study the role of women in production system and their role in decision support system in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla district was selected for apple production and Solan district for off-season vegetables. The results indicate that the female participation rate on farms in vegetable areas was as high as 64% for French beans, 62% for tomatoes and 61% for cabbage. The labour use structure on farms in fruit area reveal 60% women participation in maize, 55% for potato and 45% for apple. However the involvement of women in decision making process in vegetable production is very low for input purchase and input use for all category of farmers, progressive, average and non-progressive. As far as time and extent of field operations is concerned it is low for progressive farmers and medium for average and non-progressive farmers. Involvement of women in decision making process in fruit production is very low for all types of farmers and for all component functions. The study has highlighted that full potential of women is not being exploited especially when it comes to decision-making.  The study recommended that research and extension activities should concentrate on development of new varieties, integrated pest management, marketing infrastructure, transport management and women participation in decision-making. 

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