The study was conducted in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh during 2021–2023 to evaluate the economic productivity of prevalent agroforestry systems across different altitudinal zones. The district was stratified into three altitudinal zones: Zone-I (1500–2000 m amsl), Zone-II (2000–2500 m amsl), and Zone-III (above 2500 m amsl). From each zone, three Gram Panchayats were selected, and within each Panchayat, 15 farmers were categorized as marginal, small and semi-medium, with five from each category. The agroforestry practices in the region were classified into six land-use systems: agrihorticulture, hortiagriculture, agrihortisilviculture, hortiagrisilviculture, hortipastoral, and pastoralsilviculture. The findings revealed that economic productivity varied significantly across farmer categories, land-use systems, and altitudinal zones. Semi-medium farmers recorded the highest cost of cultivation, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio, while marginal farmers showed the lowest values. Among the agroforestry systems, the hortiagriculture system in altitudinal Zone-III exhibited the highest cost of cultivation (Rs 8,20,765 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), gross returns (Rs 37,79,403 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and net returns (Rs 29,54,442 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). The pastoralsilviculture system in the same zone recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (4.68). This study provides valuable insights for selecting suitable agroforestry systems to enhance profitability and improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers in Himachal Pradesh

Agroforestry, Economic Productivity, Altitudinal Zones, Himachal Pradesh

The present study was undertaken to conduct a comparative economic analysis of agroforestry systems practiced across different altitudinal zones in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The systems analyzed included agrihorticulture, hortiagriculture, agrihortisilviculture, hortiagrisilviculture, hortipastoral, and pastoralsilviculture. Data were collected from marginal, small, and semi-medium farmers to evaluate the cost of cultivation, gross and net returns, and benefit-cost ratios associated with each system. The results revealed significant variation in economic performance across systems and farmer categories. Among all systems, hortiagriculture practiced at higher altitudes (above 2500 m amsl) recorded the highest gross and net returns, marking it as the most economically profitable model. However, this system also incurred the highest cost of cultivation. In contrast, the pastoralsilviculture system, though lower in gross income, exhibited the highest benefit-cost ratio, making it more economically efficient and suitable for resource-constrained farmers. Semi-medium farmers consistently achieved better economic outcomes compared to marginal and small farmers. This was largely due to better access to land, capital, and improved management practices. These findings highlight that altitude, landholding size, and the choice of agroforestry system are key determinants of economic viability in mountain farming contexts. Agroforestry systems in Kinnaur district hold significant promise for enhancing farm income and improving rural livelihoods. When tailored to local agro-climatic conditions and the socio-economic profile of farmers, these systems can offer high returns and sustainable land use options. Promoting location-specific models—such as hortiagriculture in higher altitudes and pastoralsilviculture in low-input settings—can optimize resource use, increase profitability, and strengthen livelihood resilience. The outcomes of this study provide a scientific basis for policy formulation, extension support, and capacity building aimed at scaling up agroforestry adoption in hill agriculture for enhanced economic and ecological sustainability in Himachal Pradesh

Dinesh Kumar, K.S. Pant, Prakash Prem and Prakash (2025). Comparative Economic Analysis of Agroforestry Systems in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Biological Forum, 17(6): 149-158