Draft 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) and Annual Plan (2012-2013) Volume-II (Sectoral Programmes) Government of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Agriculture a primary and traditional occupation is vitally important for the balanced and sustainable growth of economy of the State. Out of the total reported area of 56.72 lakh ha, 7.41 lakh ha (13%) is under cultivation. The net irrigated area of the state is 3.40 lakh ha. which is mostly confined to the plains while most of the area in hills is rainfed. The cropping intensity in Uttaranchal is 158% higher than India. The diverse agro climatic condition of the state gives it a unique advantage as well as a competitive edge over other states in production of vegetables (off-season vegetables in context of plains) that fetch high value crops in the market. The challenge before the state is to identify crops suitable for each zone depending on the climatic conditions, soil texture etc., and therefore have a focused approach in development of the agriculture in the state.