Diversity and Development of Himalayan Economy
The Himalayan region of India has rich biodiversity of flora and most horticultural species traced here are in use in various forms for hundreds of years to meet the needs of the people. Though majority of the people of the region are engaged in agricultural activities, however, agriculture never been economical profitable venture due to hilly terrain, low\' fertility and high labour absorption and other reasons. Agriculture cannot fetch enough income for the survival of the people of the region. Therefore alterative economic activity, which may yield more income, is essentially required for the planned economic development of the region. During the past few decades the importance of horticulture sector has been realized in the Himalayan region. Promotion of horticulture is included in the national priorities of most of the countries of the region. National Horticulture Mission (NHM) has emphasized on the area-based development of the sector. There are also opportunities for the development of ancillary horticultural crops such as floriculture, medicinal plants etc because of the suitable agro-climatic conditions.
