TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES: A DECADE OF CHANGE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH (2010-11 TO 2019-20)

This study comprehensively analyzes agricultural land use changes in Himachal Pradesh from 2010-11 to 2019-20. It reveals significant shifts in land allocation for various agricultural purposes during this period. Notably, there were positive growth rates in non-agricultural land use (3.91%), Miscellaneous tree crops and Groves (7.40%), and fallow lands, with other fallows growing by 5.66% and Current Fallows by an astonishing 38.43%. These trends signify evolving agricultural practices in Himachal Pradesh. Conversely, some agricultural land use categories experienced negative growth rates, indicating their declining presence in the region. The study also highlights changing shares of agricultural land dedicated to specific patterns. Land for non-agricultural uses, Miscellaneous tree crops and Groves, other fallows, and Current Fallows increased from 7.71%, 1.42%, 0.46%, and 1.26% in 2010-11 to 8.01%, 1.52%, 0.49%, and 1.74% in 2019-20, respectively. This underscores their growing importance in Himachal Pradesh's agricultural landscape. In contrast, other agricultural land use categories saw a decrease in their share, indicating a diminishing presence. This study offers valuable insights for informed policy decisions and sustainable land management strategies in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the region's evolving agricultural land use patterns.