Fickle weather turns fields barren

Erratic climatic conditions have posed challenges to the economic viability of farming in Himachal Pradesh forcing a large section of farmers to leave the profession. As a consequence, a significant portion of farm land has been abandoned leading to land degradation. A recent study conducted by TERI and Global Green Growth Institute has found that abnormal pattern of rainfall and non-availability of water sources due to hilly terrain results in frequent crop failures and low productivity. The percentage net cultivated area to total geographical area has decreased consistently over the years from 19.07% in 1972-73 to 11.81% in 2009-10, said the report..