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Question

How does Himalayan ecosystem regulate the cropping pattern and agricultural activities in Himalayan region of India? Discuss.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The Himalayan ecosystem exerts a profound influence on cropping patterns and agricultural activities in India. Altitude is the foremost determinant: lower valleys allow rice, maize, and wheat cultivation, while higher altitudes favor cold-tolerant crops such as barley, buckwheat, and millets, often in single-season cycles due to short summers.

Topography regulates land use through terracing, which reduces erosion and creates cultivable plots on steep slopes. Aspect also matters: south-facing slopes, with greater solar exposure, support faster growth compared to north-facing slopes. Water availability, sourced from glacial melt and monsoon rains, dictates irrigation intensity and crop selection.

Given fragile ecosystems, traditional practices like mixed farming, agroforestry, and resilient local crop varieties ensure sustainability and food security. Thus, the Himalayan ecosystem enforces a fine balance between natural constraints and agricultural adaptation, shaping the unique agrarian character of the region.

Answered By:

Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

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