Effect of rainfall on cropping pattern in mid Himalayan region

Abstract

The analysis of effect of rainfall during the last 20 years is needed to evaluate cropping pattern in the rain-fed region. In this study, trends in annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall of district of Himachal Pradesh in India over the past 20 years were examined. The annual rainfall varies from 863.3 to 1470.0 mm. During the summer season, the highest total rainfall was 1089.7 mm during 2000, whereas lowest rainfall was 287.9 mm. The average rainfall for 20 years was found to be highest in the month of June whereas the rainy days were highest in the month of August. Fifteen years yield data of four crops in the area was analyzed. The trends in wheat and rice are upward whereas barley trends were downward and maize trends were constant.

Key words: Rainfall, cropping pattern, rain-fed region.