Abstract
In the present study, the status of energy efficiency and economy of existing agroecosystems in the Shiwalik range of Kumaun Himalaya were assessed. A large number of plant species were cultivated/maintained by the local inhabitants to conserve the diversity in agroecosystems. Agriculture was the main source of economy of the villagers. The agroforestry system provides many ecological services to enhance the socio-economic condition of the farmers. In addition, home garden is another land use system, which is very common in the area. All collected data from agricultural (inputs and outputs) were calculated and converted to energy values by using constants. In the present study, average consumption of annual energy inputs in agroforestry system (103646 MJ/ha) was approximately three times more as compared to home gardens (43056 MJ/ha). Uses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides increased the inputs manifolds. Average annual energy outputs obtained from agroforestry system (434116 MJ/ha) which was seven times more to the home gardens (57008 MJ/ha). Energy output/input ratio in agroforestry varied from 2.26 to 9.06 while in home gardens range speckled between 1.20 and 1.47. In terms of monetary budget, annual return from agroforestry and home garden systems were ₹ 95077/ha and 4201/ha, respectively. From the present study, it can be concluded that agroecosystems provides the good monetary benefits and source of employment to the villagers. The possible benefits of agriculture are raising income and thus improving status of livelihoods in Bhabhar region of Kumaun Himalaya.
Highlights
In the Himalayan province, an ecosystem functioning as a self-governing entity of economic activity and is consisted of agroecosystem, forest ecosystem, households, livestock, and market support[1]
Material and Methods Study Area The Kumaun Himalayan Bhabhar region spread over a geographical area of 51125 km[2] (77034’to 81002’ E longitude and 28043 to 31027’ N latitude)
Energy inputs through seeds and manure and outputs through edible yields, fuel wood, fodder and by product were calculated by multiplying the amount of an input/output related to a given land use and its standard energetic value
Summary
In the Himalayan province, an ecosystem functioning as a self-governing entity of economic activity and is consisted of agroecosystem, forest ecosystem, households, livestock, and market support[1] It is most important in a village ecosystem to observe the type and level of linkage in various components in order to harness the maximum benefits and proper management of the resource availability[2]. The farmers use abundant amount of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides etc in their crop land without taking the considerable level By this act the crop increase many folds but the net cost of energy input has increased simultaneously. Agroforestry is emerging as the promising land use option to sustain agricultural productivity and livelihoods of farmers[15] along with mitigate the adverse impact of changing climatic conditions[16]
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