Relevance of Traditional Agriculture Knowledge for Sustainable Agriculture in the Indian Himalayan Region

Himalayan traditional agricultural knowledge that existed long before the present and covers a wide range of techniques that have been passed through many generations. The study explores whether Himalayan traditional agriculture knowledge is still in practice, what types of patterns and practices currently belong to the region and what has changed and why. These issues are present in the chapter and they can help identify potential solutions to problems in present day agriculture. The study also highlighted the relevance of traditional agricultural knowledge in the context of changes in land use, land holding, cropping patterns, demographics, socio-economic conditions and climate change. Traditional agriculture knowledge’s adaptability makes it the ideal solution for sustainable agriculture development but, it depends on how much is practiced in the present. The utilisation of traditional agricultural knowledge is hindered by shrinking of agricultural land, introduction of HYV seeds, emergence of commercial agriculture products, changing climate, and farmers’ migration. Changes have occurred in all forms of agricultural systems in the Himalayan region. External inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, labour, and mechanization, are becoming more prevalent in Himalayan agriculture.