Traditional Ladakh Agriculture (Northern India)

Outstanding Features

Ladakh is on the high Tibetan plateau between India and the Himalayan Mountains to the south, China and the Karikoram Mountains to the north, and Indian Kashmir to the west. It is a high altitude cold desert in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, with glacial-fed rivers, no soils and a low diversity of xerophytic plants and some animals (snow leopards, blue sheep, marmots, coyotes, wolves, lynx, musk deer, wild camels). It is inhabited mainly by Tibeto-Mongolian Buddhists who herd some animals (sheep, goats, horses, yaks and dzo (yak-cattle crossbreed) on sedentary basis or with spring migration to rich high-altitude pastures. The yak (Poephagus grunniens) is a native of the high altitude Tibetan plateau, and is adapted to graze on scanty local feed at 6,000 m, tolerating temperatures of –40^oC to 30^oC. Agriculture is difficult under such harsh conditions. Nevertheless, glacial-fed rivers are diverted repeatedly initially for silt sedimentation, but later for irrigation, into stone-built terraces where soil is formed. The sediment formed is planted with the Himalayan rose and later willow for enhancing sedimentation. Later, human and animal manure facilitates the planting of staples (wheat, barley and minor millets) with turnips, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, peas, and alfalfa (Medicago spp.) under irrigation. Old land races of cultivated plants are well conserved. Four types of land are cultivated: Zhing (cultivated land), Zhing Zhang (well fertilized land), Rizhing (stony land), Thang Zhing (pasture land). Apricots, apples and walnuts are cultivated in deep valleys. Composting of organic matter is very important. Arable agriculture is practiced at low altitudes (<2,500 m) in river valleys. In recent years, there has been a decline in agriculture and the yak population due to declining trade across high mountains, inbreeding within the yak herds, and exposure to urbanization and Western values through tourism, education and the Western media.

Goods and Services Provided

Ladakh agriculture provides staple food, vegetables, fruit, milk, wool, and meat. The yak is an important draught animal (carrying loads of 50-60 kg).

Threats and Challenges

Ladakh agriculture is being threatened by urban consumerism, and the replacement of cultural values by monetary goods.

Policy and Development Relevance

There is a need to review the policies contributing to the decline of Ladakh agriculture, with the view to promoting its uniqueness especially for harsh terrains.

Global Importance

Ladakh agriculture is unique and representative of the Tibetan plateau. Its conservation of old land races, especially alfalfa is of global importance due to the centre of origin of this genus in that region.