TRADITIONAL CROP DIVERSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL HIMALAYAN AGROECOSYSTEMS

A rich diversity of traditional crops occurs generally in the Himalaya and more particularly in Central Himalaya. Over forty species of fe,o d grains are grown in traditional agroecosystems of Central Himalaya, which have been managed by the local farming communities since lime im memorial. These traditional crop varieties hare evolved over centuries and are well adapted to the particular area. A number of edaphic, top ographic and climatic factors associated with different selection pres sures over centuries of cultivation resulted in immense variations in the crop species. The grain and by-product yield of the majority of th e traditional crops cultivated across an altitudinal gradient wvere wo rked out and compared with common food crops (paddy, wheat, mustard) a t two points in time (1970-74, 1990-94) and it was found that almost a ll the traditional crops had slightly higher yields during 1970-74 tha n between 1990-94, However, common food crops grown during the Kharif season had higher yields during 1990-94 whereas, Rabi season crops exh ibited higher yield during 1970-74. The yield of rainfed paddy remaine d static over the years across the altitudinal gradient. Among the tra ditional crops cultivated during the Kharif and Rabi seasons in mixed and pure forms at different altitudes were Macrotyloma uniformum (at h igher altitude), Parilla frutescens and Vigna mungo (at middle altitud e) and Panicum miliaceum (at lower altitude) which were found to be ec o-energetically efficient. Avena sativa (oat) and mixed cropping of Fa gopyrum esculentum and potato had higher energy efficiency ratios wher eas the latter also exhibited a higher monetary output/input ratio. Cr ops like paddy and wheat with mustard, grown in irrigated land were fo und to be more ecoenergetically efficient than the same crops grown in the rainfed land. In general, traditional crops possess higher nutrit ive value than the common food crops. The contribution of traditional crops to the local diet (kg/capita/year) and their energy and protein equivalents were higher during both time periods, It was observed that while exporting these traditional crops, the locals of the region are highly exploited by middlemen. Despite having huge potential, traditi onal crop diversity of this region has been reduced to a great extent during the last two decades. Besides, the area under cultivation with these crops has been declining rapidly. However, many of these crops p ossess immense potential to meet the growing food demand and ensure fo od security of an increasing population. Therefore, a comprehensive pr ogramme of conservation through various means and improvement of agron omic yield in their natural habitats is urgently needed.