Declining Trends of Rice Cultivation and Agricultural Transitions in Himachal Pradesh A District-Level Analysis

This study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of rice cultivation in Himachal Pradesh from 1990-19 to 2020-21. This study is based on secondary sources, which include annual and seasonal crop reports from Himachal Pradesh. The district is selected as a unit of study, and the study is divided into three time periods: 1990-91, 2005-06, and 2020-21. For each time period, three-year averages are taken, like 1989-90, 1990-91, and 1991-92 for 1990- 91, and so on. Further, this research paper is categorized into three parts. The first part examines the spatial patterns of rice cultivation, and the second part explores temporal changes from 1990-91 to 2020-21. The study noted an overall decrease of 1.47 percent over the research period in the cultivation of rice across the state. Kangra and Mandi have consistently led in rice cultivation due to their ideal topography, irrigation systems, and climate, while Sirmaur has maintained a moderate share with growth trends. In Contrasts, trans-Himalayan districts like Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti remained completely unsuited for rice production due to extreme climatic conditions and insufficient water availability, while districts like Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, and Chamba saw notable decreases. The findings underscore the shift from rice to high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables in several districts and highlight the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices, improved irrigation infrastructure, and crop diversification strategies. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural planners aiming to address regional disparities in rice cultivation and promote balanced agricultural development in Himachal Pradesh.