Agro-Climatic Zones of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh’s varied topography and elevation range from 350 m to over 4 200 m result in four distinct agro-climatic zones. Each zone has unique climate, soil, cropping patterns, and development potential.

1. Shivalik Hill Zone (Low Hills)

• Altitude: 350–650 m above mean sea level
• Climate: Sub-tropical, hot summers, mild winters
• Area: ~35% of state’s geographical area; ~40% of cultivated land
• Major Districts: Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur (foothills)
• Soils: Alluvial sandy loams—fertile but prone to erosion
• Principal Crops: Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, gram, mustard, potatoes, vegetables
• Challenges & Opportunities:
  – Soil erosion and waterlogging in plains;
  – High potential for off-season vegetables and commercial fodder;
  – Scope for drip irrigation and micro-watershed development.hpgeneralstudies

2. Mid Hill Zone

• Altitude: 651–1 800 m
• Climate: Mild temperate; distinct seasons
• Area: ~32% of geographical area; ~37% of cultivated land
• Major Districts: Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur
• Soils: Loamy sand to clay loam—moderately deep, acidic in places
• Principal Crops: Wheat, maize, barley, black gram, paddy; cash crops such as off-season vegetables, ginger, seed potato, temperate fruits (apples, pears).hpgeneralstudies
• Challenges & Opportunities:
  – Fragmented landholdings; frost risk;
  – High potential for quality seed production, protected cultivation (polyhouses), and horticulture tourism.

3. High Hill Zone

• Altitude: 1 801–2 200 m
• Climate: Humid temperate; alpine pastures at upper reaches
• Area: ~35% of geographical area; ~21% of cultivated land
• Major Districts: Kullu, Chamba (mid-altitude zones)
• Soils: Shallow loamy soils—acidic, well-drained
• Principal Crops: Wheat, barley, lesser millets, pseudo-cereals (buckwheat, amaranthus), maize, potato; high-value temperate vegetables (cauliflower, peas).hpgeneralstudies
• Challenges & Opportunities:
  – Short growing season; limited flat land;
  – Ideal for quality seed potato, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, apiculture, and alpine horticulture.

4. Cold Dry Zone (Cold Desert)

• Altitude: >2 200 m (Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi of Chamba)
• Climate: Cold arid; long winters with heavy snowfall; scanty rainfall (<200 mm)
• Area: ~8% of geographical area; ~2% of cultivated land
• Soils: Sandy, gravelly—low organic matter, poor moisture retention
• Principal Crops: Barley, wheat, pseudo-cereals (buckwheat, amaranthus); limited vegetables and peas under irrigation.hpgeneralstudies
• Challenges & Opportunities:
  – Extreme cold; water scarcity; very short season;
  – Scope for greenhouse farming, high-altitude seed production, niche products (saffron, cumin), and sustainable livestock rearing.

By tailoring agricultural practices—such as drip irrigation in the Shivalik Zone, protected cultivation in the Mid Hill Zone, alpine horticulture in the High Hill Zone, and greenhouse technologies in the Cold Dry Zone—Himachal Pradesh can enhance productivity, diversify farmer incomes, and ensure sustainable use of fragile hill ecosystems.