Agriculture in the cold desert of Spiti Valley is difficult, but there are ways to make it easier

Spiti, the “the middle land”, known for its beautiful barren mountains, is among the least populated regions of India with about two inhabitants per square kilometre. The cold desert in Himachal Pradesh is characterised by average temperatures between 39 degrees Celsius during summers and a chilling -30°C during winters. 

The agricultural season is short, spanning from April to October, as the remaining months are too cold for crop production. Precipitation primarily takes the form of snowfall from October to April, with negligible rainfall. The area is completely irrigated with streams and rivers fed by glacial meltwater. 

Despite the vast area of the Spiti block, covering 711,900 hectares (ha), only 2,033 ha is under cultivation, accounting for a mere 0.28 per cent of the land used for agriculture by approximately 2,583 farming families.

Traditionally, subsistence was through agriculture — barley and black pea — only, but with the establishment of the Regional Horticultural Research Station in 1981 and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Tabo besides increased approachability to market outside Spiti valley, cash crops like apple and field pea have made inroads into the agricultural cycle. 

Now almost 80-90 per cent of traditional crops have been replaced with cash crops and farmers of Spiti have the highest per capita income in the state (Rs 1,92,292 in 2022). 

In Spiti, women farmers play a prominent role in agricultural tasks, from field preparation to sowing, irrigation and harvesting. Peas and apples from Spiti command exceptionally high prices of Rs 72-80/ kg and Rs 120-150/ kg, respectively, at farmers’ fields, which increases manifold by the time it reaches the consumer’s plate. 

Hardworking women farmers prepare fields for crop sowing. Photo: Authors

In villages up to 3,400 metres above mean sea level, the first crop of pea is planted in April and harvested by August, while the second crop is sown in the first week of August and harvested in the second fortnight of October. In high-altitude villages above 3,400 m, peas are the main crop from late May to mid-September. 

Apples are grown up to only 3,400 m and are typically harvested in the latter half of September to the first fortnight of October, making it the last harvest in India. They have a vibrant and natural colours, top-notch quality and extended shelf life. Terrace farming is widely adopted for perennial and annual crops in the region. 

Apple cultivation on terraces. Photo: Authors 

This practice serves dual roles: conserving vital water resources and preventing shallow-depth erosion, as terrace farming significantly minimises water runoff. The farmers heavily rely on glacial meltwater for irrigation. 

Soils primarily have very low water holding capacity — less than 30 per cent. To address this, farmers employ gravity-fed canals and channels from streams. Yet, water availability varies from 4 to 15 days, depending on stream water availability. 

Using cemented channels for efficient water distribution. Photo: Authors

Recognising the need for water conservation, farmers are turning to micro-irrigation. Government subsidies and efforts by KVK, Lahaul and Spiti-II (ATARI Zone-I) are aiding farmers, yet adoption remains below 1 per cent. Challenges include emitter clogging from silt in glacial meltwater and a lack of service facilities in Spiti Valley. 

Several agricultural challenges 

Farmers in Spiti Valley face numerous challenges, including shallow soil, labour intensity, geographical remoteness from major markets and a lack of quality planting materials. Despite these obstacles, farmers in the region consistently innovate and adopt techniques to enhance their returns on investment, showcasing their resilience in navigating the complexities of agricultural practices. 

One of the major issues is that the sole source of irrigation — stream water — is contingent on winter snowfall, which has steadily declined by almost 10 per cent over the past 15 years, posing a significant threat to water availability. Limited by small field sizes and hilly terrains, farmers heavily rely on traditional tools, as modern machinery is impractical. 

Another issue is that access to high-quality seeds and chemicals requires purchases from distant markets because local vendors are scarce. Surrounded by the formidable Higher Himalayas, Spiti Valley lacks direct market access, compelling farmers to depend on intermediaries and traders for selling their produce.

Being enclosed by mountains from all directions, the most direct route through Kinnaur to larger markets poses a significant challenge. These routes are prone to frequent landslides and blockades, introducing a substantial risk of spoilage for agricultural produce.

Opportunities for agricultural sustenance

Several opportunities are critical in Spiti Valley for diversifying and strengthening the local economy by providing farmers with sustainable alternatives, higher returns and improved market connections, all while aligning with the government’s emphasis on promoting natural farming practices and local self-reliance. 

Natural Farming: Farmers in Spiti Valley use minimal to no fertilisers, relying on manure, with sparing use of plant protection chemicals. This practice positions the valley as a promising hub for natural farming, providing the opportunity to secure premium prices for such produce. However, government support is essential for a smooth transition.

Introduction of new fruits and vegetables: The cultivation of apples and exotic vegetables, with distinct maturity times from the rest of India, presents lucrative opportunities for farmers, yielding higher returns. 

Processing of food products: “Vocal for Local”: There is significant potential for processing apples into dried slices, converting sea buckthorn into powdered form for tea/juice and drying apricots. Promoting FPOs and improving market ties can empower farmers to fetch better prices, aligning with the government’s “Vocal for Local” drive. 

Agri-Tourism: Spiti’s scenic beauty combined with agricultural practices creates potential for agri-tourism. This integration can generate extra income for farmers while promoting environmental stewardship.

Ranjit Singh Spehia is Senior Scientist & Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lahaul & Spiti-II at Tabo, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry; Inder Dev is Director of Extension Education, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh; Ankita Dhiman is Assistant Professor, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lahaul & Spiti-II at Tabo, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh; Bandana Dhiman, Assistant Professor, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lahaul & Spiti-II at Tabo, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh; and Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Views expressed are the authors’ own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth