state: himachal pradesh

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State: HIMACHAL PRADESHAgriculture Contingency Plan for District: Lahaul & Spiti

1.0 District Agriculture profile

1.1 Agro-Climatic/Ecological Zone Western Himalayas, Warm Subhumid (To Humid With Inclusion Of Perhumid) Eco-Region.(14.1)

Agro-Climatic Region (PlanningCommission)

Western Himalayan Region (I)

Agro Climatic Zone (NARP) High hills temperate dry zone(HP-4)

List all the districts falling under the NARPZone*(*>50% area falling in the zone)

Northern parts of Chamba, Kullu, major Southern part of Lahaul & Spiti (Keylong), Kalpa(Kinnaur)& North-North Eastern parts of Lahaul & spiti valley

Geographic coordinates of district Latitude Longitude Altitude (m)

31o44’ 57’’ to 33o42’ 54’’ N 76o 46’ 29’’ to 78o 41’ 34’’ E 2240 to over 5485

Name and address of the concerned ZRS/ZARS/ RARS/ RRS/ RRTTS

Highland Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kukumseri, Ph. 01909 222210 (O)

Scientist Incharge, CSKHPKV research Sub-station, Lari, L&S

Scientist Incharge, UHF Research substation, Tabo, Block Spiti, L&S

Mention the KVK located in the districtwith address

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lahaul &Spiti at Kukumseri. Himachal Pradesh-175141Phone 01909-222666 (O)

Name and address of the nearest AgrometField Unit (AMFU, IMD) for agro-advisories in the Zone

Highland Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kukumseri, Ph. 01909 222210 (O)

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1.2 Rainfall Average(mm) Normal onset Normal cessation

SW monsoon (June – Sep) 187 1st week of July 2nd week of SeptemberNE Monsoon (Oct – Dec) 37 1st week of October 4th week of December

Winter (Jan – Feb) 97

Summer (March– May) 143Annual 464

1.3 Land use pattern of the district

1.3 Land usepattern of thedistrict (lateststatistics)

Geographicalarea (Villagepapers)

Netsownarea

Forestarea

Landundernon-agriculturaluse

Permanentpastures

Cultivablewasteland

Land underMisc. treecrops andgroves

Barren anduncultivableland

Currentfallows

Otherfallows

Area(‘000 ha)

911.3 3.3 135.4 135.7 220.1 0.6 0.1 415.8 0.1 -

Source: Statistical outline of Himachal Pradesh, 2008-09

1.4 Major soils

1. 4 Major Soils Area(‘000 ha)

Percent (%) oftotal

Physiography Elevation

1.Medium deep, sandy-skeletal soils 6 1.2 Mountains and valle glaciers Greater Himalayas2.Medium deep, sandy-skeletal soils 277 58.9 Side/ Reposed slopes Greater Himalayas3.Deep loamy calcareous soils 23 4.9 Side/ Reposed slopes Greater Himalayas4. Medium deep, sandy-skeletal soils 21 4.5 Glacio-fluvial valley Greater Himalayas5. Deep, sandy-skeletal soils 2 0.4 Glacio-fluvial valley Greater Himalayas6.Shallow to medium shallow loamy soils 4 0.8 Summits and Ridge tops Lesser Himalayas7.Shallow loamy skeletal soils 41 8.7 Side/ Reposed slopes Lesser Himalayas8. Medium deep, loamy calcareous soils 57 12.2 Side/ Reposed slopes Lesser Himalayas9.Shallow to medium deep loamy soils 17 3.6 Side/ Reposed slopes Lesser Himalayas

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10. Medium deep to deep loamy soils 22 4.7 Side/ Reposed slopes Lesser Himalayas

1.5 Agricultural land use (ha) Area (‘000 ha) Cropping intensity %

Net sown area 3.3106%Area sown more than once 0.2

Gross cropped area 3.5*Source: Land Utilization Pattern in Lahaul & Spiti, 2010-11, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul & Spiti at Keylong

1.6 Irrigation Area (‘000 ha)Net irrigated area 3.3Gross irrigated area 3.5Rainfed areaSources of Irrigation Number Area (‘000 ha) PercentageCanalsTanksTube wellsBore wellsOther wellsLift irrigation schemes 3 0.07Kuhls 127 3.4 Melting snow water is

conveyed through Kuhls andapplied mainly throughflooding and rarely throughsprinklers

Other sources 0.014Total Irrigated Area 3.5 100Micro-irrigation Melting snow water is conveyed through Kuhls and applied mainly through sprinklersPump sets 22

No. of Tractors 106 2.45Groundwater availability and use* (Data No. of blocks (%) area Quality of water

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*Source: District Agriculture and Revenue Deptt, Strategic Research Plan of Lahaul & Spiti prepared by Agricultural technology ManagementAgency (ATMA) & Land Utilization pattern in Lahaul & Spiti 2010-11, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul & Spiti at Keylong

1.7 . Major field crops & horticulture

S.No. Major crop cultivated Total area (ha) Irrigated (ha) Rainfed

Peas 1770 1770Potato 748 748Cauliflower 38 38Carrot 6 5Cabbage 5 6Barley 429 429Buckwheat 92 92Wheat 46 46Rajmash 38 38Sarson 29 29

FruitsApple 190 190Apricot 12 12Walnut 3 3

source: State/Central Ground waterDepartment /Board)Over exploitedCriticalSemi- criticalSafe 100 GoodWastewater availability and useGround water quality Good, EC<750m mhos/cm at 250 C

*over-exploited: groundwater utilization > 100%; critical: 90-100%; semi-critical: 70-90%; safe: <70%

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MedicinalKuth 45 45Mannu 22 22Hops 20 20

*Source: Land Utilization pattern in Lahaul & Spiti 2010-11, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul & Spiti at Keylong.

1.8 Livestock

Type of animals Total Number (‘000)Crossbred cows 5.9Local cows 6.3Goats 20.5Sheep 41.5Bullocks 2.0Equines 3.9Yak 2.8Total Livestock 83.1Poultry 2.9

*Source: District Agriculture Plan L&S Himachal Pradesh Volume-III Department of Agriculture (H.P.) consulting agency CSK HimachalPradesh Agricultural University Palampur-176 062 (Field Survey, 2007-08)

1.10 Fisheries (Data source: Chief Planning Officer)A. Capturei) Marine (Data Source:Fisheries Department)

No. of fishermen Boats Nets Storagefacilities

(Ice plantsetc.)

Mechanized Non-mechanized

Mechanized(Trawl nets,

Gill nets)

Non-mechanized(Shore Seines, Stake

& trap nets)

ii) Inland (Data Source:Fisheries Department)

No. Farmer owned ponds No. of Reservoirs No. of village tanks

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B. CultureWater Spread Area (ha) Yield (t/ha) Production (‘000

tons)i) Brackish water (Data Source: MPEDA/ Fisheries Department) 12

ii) Fresh water (Data Source: Fisheries Department)

1.11 Production and Productivity of major crops

Name of crop Production ( MT) Productivity (q/ha)

Barley 753 12

Buckwheat 205 22

Wheat 264 14

Rajmash 360 10

Cauliflower 1140 300

Potato 21362 245

Cabbage 120 240

Pea 9307 70.0

1.12 Sowing window for 5 major fieldcrops

Green peas Potato Barley Buckwheat Wheat

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Kharif/rabi crops (allirrigated;cropping period is fromMarch end to first fortnight ofOctober). Snow covers the entirearea from November to March andhence sowing impossible

March to June 1st fortnight ofApril to 2nd

fortnight ofApril

2nd fortnight ofApril to 4th week ofMay

2nd week Julyto 4th week ofJuly

3rd week April to midMay (after snowmelting)

1.13 What is the major contingencythe district is prone to? (Tickmark)

Regular Occasional None

Cropping season (April to October)Drought √

Flood √

Cyclone √

Hail storm √

Heat wave √

Cold wave √

Frost √

Sea water intrusion √Pests and disease outbreak (Borers,Fungal, Bacterial and Viraldiseases)

√

Landslides √

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Annexure I Location map

1.14 Include Digital maps ofthe district for

Location map of district within State as Annexure I Enclosed: Yes

Mean annual rainfall as Annexure 2 Enclosed: Yes

Soil map as Annexure 3 Enclosed: Yes

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Annexure II

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Annexure III -Soil map

1. 4 Major Soils Area(‘000 ha)

Percent(%)

1 Medium deep, sandy-skeletal soils 6 1.2


3 Deep loamy calcareous soils 23 4.9


5 Deep, sandy-skeletal soils 2 0.4

6 Shallow to medium shallow loamy soils 4 0.8

7 Shallow loamy skeletal soils 41 8.7

8 Medium deep, loamy calcareous soils 57 12.2

9 Shallow to medium deep loamy soils 17 3.6

10 Medium deep to deep loamy soils 22 4.7

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2.0 Strategies for weather related contingencies

2.1 Drought

2.1.1 Rain fed situation: Not applicable as the crop cultivation is possible from melting snow water

Condition Suggested Contingency measuresEarly seasondrought (delayedonset)

Major Farmingsituationa

Crop/croppingsystemb

Change incrop/cropping systemc

Agronomic measuresd Remarks onImplementatione

Delay by 2,4,6 and8 weeks

Not Applicable

Early seasondrought (Normalonset)

Not Applicable

Mid season drought(long dry spell,consecutive 2 weeksrainless (>2.5 mm)period)

Not Applicable

At flowering/fruiting stage

Not Applicable

2.1.2 Drought - Irrigated situationCondition Suggested contingency measures

Major Farmingsituation

Normal Crop Change incrop/croppingsystem

Agronomic measures Remarks onImplementation

Delayed release ofwater in kuhls dueto low rainfall

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Limited release ofwater in kuhls dueto any reason

Shallow to medium deep,sandy loamy soils

Peas Barley (Dolma,HBL 249)

Life saving irrigation,Chemical weed control,Frequent interculture tocreate soil mulch ,Foliar spray of nutrients,Mulching,Hoeing after irrigation

Seed supply throughDepartment ofAgriculture

Potato ,Cauliflower

Barley (Dolma,HBL 249)

Cabbage (GoldenAcre, Pride ofIndia, Large lateDrum Head)

Cabbage Life saving sprinklerirrigation,Frequent interculture tocreate dust mulch ,Foliar spray of nutrients,Hoeing after irrigationMulching,Manuring with 20t FYM/haand 125:50:30 kg N, P2O5

and K2O/ ha.

French bean Frenchbean(Contender,Premier,KentuckyWonder)

Summer squash ,Onion ,Lettuce ,

Summer squash(Selection 1,9),

Onion ( Local,N53, Agri FoundDark Red ),

Lettuce(leafy/Iceberg,Leek,

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Tomato(7711/129601)

Field crops

Barley Barley (Dolma,BHS 249)

Life saving sprinklerirrigation,Frequent interculture tocreate soil mulch ,Foliar spray of nutrients,manuring with 40:25:15kg/ha N, P2O5 and K2O.

Seed supply throughDepartment ofAgriculture

Wheat Wheat(Saptdhara,Himpratham,

HPW 42)

Life saving sprinklerirrigation, Frequentinterculture to create soilmulch with 90:50:30 kg N,P2O5 and K2O/ha.Weed control using 2,4-D at45 days after sowing ( 750-800 litre water/ha.)

Buckwheat Buckwheat( Uday,USDA 1)

Life saving sprinklerirrigation,frequent interculture tocreate soil mulch,manuring with 40:40 kg N,P2O5 /ha.Weed control using 1.5kgAlachlor in 800 lt ofwater/ha within two days ofsowing.

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Pulse

Rajmash Rajmash (Him 1,Kanchan, Triloki

)

Life saving sprinklerirrigation,

frequent interculture tocreate soil mulch,

Manuring,

Hoeing after irrigation.Weed control usingPendimethalin 1.2 kg orAlachlor 1.5 kg orMetachlor 1.5kg/ha within48hrs of sowing in 750-800ltwater/ha.

Oilseed

Mustard/toria Mustard/toria(Bhawani &Yunger- a localrace)

Life saving sprinkler andfrequent interculture tocreate soil mulch andManuring

Medicinal Plants

Hops Hops (Latecluster, Harmukh,Hybrid 2)

Mulching & Drip irrigation,Manuring using 25-30 t/haFYM, 100:40:120 kg N,P2O5 and K2O/ha. hoeing

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after irrigation

Kuth Kuth(Localraces)

Mulching & sprinklerirrigation, Manuring using25:25:25 kg N, P2O5 andK2O/ha.

Mannu Mannu ( localraces)

Mulching & floodingirrigation, Manuring

Kala Zeera Kala Zeera (localraces)

Usually growing inuncultivated lands

Horticultural

Apple Apple (Top Red,Royal Delicious,Delicious,Golden

Delicious, RedChief, Oregon

Spur, Red Gold(P), Gold Spur,

Munchurian crob(P); For highaltitudes- Top

Red, Hardeman,Skyline Suprens)

Drip irrigation &Mulching,hoeing after irrigation,organic manuring

Quality plantingmaterial to beprovided byDepartment ofHorticulture

Apricot Apricot(Shakarpara,Charmguz,

Drip irrigation &Mulching,manuring.

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Halman)

Cherry Cherry (Stella(var & polliniser,Red Heart, BlackHeart)


SeabuckthornSeabuckthorn


Plum Plum (Prune) –Stanley variety


Non release ofwater in kuhlsunder delayedonset of monsoon incatchment

Not applicable

Lack of inflows intotanks due toinsufficient /delayed onset ofmonsoon

Not applicable

Insufficientgroundwaterrecharge due to lowrainfall

Not applicable

2.2 Unusual rains (untimely, unseasonal etc) (for both rainfed and irrigated situations)

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Condition Suggested contingency measures

Continuous highrainfall in a shortspan leading to waterlogging

Vegetative stage Flowering stage Crop maturity stage Post harvest

Peas Water drains out automaticallyas the soil has poor waterretentivity, however, if itstagnates at depressions, that bedrained out

Drainage if water stagnates atcertain depressions. Properbunding of fields to checkspread of root rot complex.Drainage to common channel.

Drainage of fields;harvesting be delayedtill a clear weather isclear

Sun dry and immediatepacking and transport

Potato Additional N may be applied ifrains come after the topdressingof N, hoeing & weeding

Drainage if water stagnates atcertain depressions.Fungicide spray to check lateblight.

Provide drainage Take the produce to a safestorage place and allow todry before packaging

Barley Additional dose of nitrogen(25kg/ha) to avoid deficiency ofnitrogen (yellowing) caused dueto leaching,

Water drains outautomatically as the soil haspoor water retention

Water drains outautomatically as thesoil has poor waterretention

Sun drying

Wheat Additional dose of nitrogen(25kg/ha) to remove deficiencyof nitrogen (yellowing)causeddue to leaching, hoeing &weeding


Water drains outautomatically as thesoil has poor waterretention

Sun drying

Buckwheat Application of nitrogen in spotswhere yellowing has takenplace; hoeing & weeding


Immediate harvestingif physiologicalmaturity has takenplace

Take the produce tocovered place and ensuremoisture at 8-9% at storagethrough drying

Cauliflower/cabbage Drainage of fields and use ofsplit nitrogen when the sky isclear , hoeing & weeding

Provide drainage, use ofNPK

Drainage Immediately market theheads which are ready

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Apple Use flower bouquet (forpollination) for ensuring thefruit set

Use of Planofix (10ppm) to avoid fruitshedding and use offungicides (100 gCarbendazim /200 Lof water) to avoid scab

Sun drying

Heavy rainfall with high speed winds in a short span

BarleyWheatBuckwheat

Allow the crop to dryand then harvest theproduce

Sun drying

Apple Use Bordeaux mixture ondamaged branches

Use flower bouquet forensuring the fruit set and useof Chlorpyriphos (2 ml/L ofwater) immediately after rainsto avoid the attack of insects

Use of Planofix (10ppm) to avoid fruitshedding and use offungicides to avoidscab and insecticidesto avoid caterpillarattack

Use calcium chloride forbetter keeping quality

Outbreak of pests and diseases due to unseasonal rains

BarleyWheatBuckwheat

Spray Mancozeb(0.2%) ifyellow rust in wheat andbarley appears

Sun drying

Peas Always sow treated seed withCarbendazim

Spray 0.5 g Dinocap/L waterif powdery mildew appears

Spray 0.5 g Hexaconozole/L water ifpowdery mildewappears

Market after grading

Potato Spray Zineb (0.2%) if earlyblight appears

Control Late blight with 2sprays at fortnightly intervalof Metalaxyl (0.25%)

Remove foliage Market after grading

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followed by two sprays ofMancozeb (0.2%) at weeklyinterval

Horticulture /vegetable

CauliflowerCabbage

Spray of Karate (1 ml/L) ifyellow eggs on leaves are seen

Remove the rottenheads, removediseased leaves

Apple Spray TSO (tree spray oil 4L/200 L)/ horticulture mineraloil (2.5 L/200L)to check theincidence of scale insects

Spray chlorpyriphos (2 ml/L )to control thrips in apple.After fruit setting sprayCarbaryl (1.5 g/L) to controlfruit scrapper

Use calcium chloride(5 g/L) before harvest

Spray 1% Urea + 0.3%Copper oxy chloride on thetree to maintain propernutrition and to controlfurther spread of canker dueto injury to the spurs duringharvesting of fruits

2.3 Floods : Not applicable

2.4 Extreme events: Heat wave / Cold wave/Frost/ Hailstorm /Cyclone

Extreme event type Suggested contingency measurer

Seedling / nursery stage Vegetative stage Reproductive stage At harvestHeat Wavep Not applicable

Cold waveq Not applicableFrost Not applicable

2.5 Contingent strategies for Livestock, Poultry & Fisheries2.5.1. Livestock (

Condition Suggested contingency measuresBefore the event During the event After the event

Drought Insurance of livestock Not applicable

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Feed and fodder availability Improve horti-silvipastoral systems by growingLucerne, Red clover, White clover, Orchardgrass, Fescue grass, Salix, Poplar and Robinia.Promote Hay and Silage, complete feed blockmaking for using in wintersStore sufficient quantities of mineral mixtureand Uromin Mineral Bricks (UMB)

Efforts should be made to storemore of feed and fodder in advanceof harsh winters

Prepare unproductivestock with healthyanimals. Providegreen fodder inrecommended ratesto the livestock.

Drinking water Storage of adequate drinking water, Provisionof water from groundwater sources.

Careful monitoring of drinkingwater of animals.

Health and disease management Vaccination and deworming.Surveillance of diseases.Preventive measures for diseases.Medicines and vaccines procurement

Keep animals in shade ad far aspossible, more protein diet in formof concentrates, Protection ofanimals from heat stress.Isolation of sick animals, Specifictreatment.

Use of multi mineralsand multi vitamins.

Floods Not applicableCyclone Not applicableCold waveShelter/environmentmanagement

Make comfortable sheds with lesser windows andventilators. House animals together, cover open windowswith gunny bags, cover animals with gunny bags in the formof jackets.

Cover the young oneswith gunny bags andgive rich diets to thelactating and sickanimals

Provision for goodshelters /sheds bemade available withsome financial supportfrom Government

Health and disease management The medicines and feeds be stored in time.Prior arrangements for warm shelter.

Mobile van facility atdoorstep duringwintersProvision of warmsheds/ shelter.

Vaccination &dewormingUse of multi mineralsand multi vitamins.

s based on forewarning wherever available2.5.2 Poultry :

Suggested contingency measures Convergence/linkageswith ongoing programs

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if any

Before the event During the event After the event

Drought Not applicableFloods Not applicableCyclone Not applicableCold wave

Shelter/environmentmanagement

Make comfortablestructures

Feeding with rich dietsand making the shedsair proof

Health and disease management Storage of feeds andmedicines in time,awareness about theproblem associatedwith cold wave forpoultry production

Service ofveterinarians forproblems andproviding rich feedsand medicines forailment

Provision of warmshelters/ sheds.

Selection of birds suitable forcold areas and provision offeeds and medicines in areasas per requirement and campson awareness for problem incold conditions and productionissues

a based on forewarning wherever available

2.5.3 Fisheries :

Condition Suggested contingency measures

Before the event During the event After the event

1) Drought Not applicable2) Floods3. Cyclone / Tsunami4. Heat wave and cold wave

a based on forewarning wherever available

state: himachal pradesh

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