The study was conducted in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh during the year 2021-2023 in context of economic productivity of the prevalent agroforestry systems along the different altitudinal zones. The district was divided into three altitudinal zones viz., altitudinal zone-I (1500-2000 m amsl), altitudinal zone-II (2000-2500 m amsl), and altitudinal zone-III (above 2500 m amsl) and three-Gram Panchayats were selected from each altitudinal zone, further 15 farmers were selected within each Panchayat, including five marginal, small, and semi-medium farmers. Agroforestry practices were categorized into six land use systems viz., agrihorticulture, hortiagriculture, agrihortisilviculture, hortiagrisilviculture, hortipastoral and pastoralsilviculture systems. Results revealed that economic productivity was significantly affected by the farmers categories land use systems along the altitudinal zones. The cost of cultivation, net returns and benefit: cost ratio of the prevalent agroforestry systems among the different farmers categories along the altitudinal zones of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh was found the highest under the semi-medium farmers category and lowest under the marginal farmers category. The cost of cultivation was found significantly affected by the different agroforestry systems being practiced with maximum cost of cultivation (Rs 8,05,658 hā¹yr̄¹) recorded under hortiagriculture system in altitudinal zone-III. The higher gross returns (Rs 24,02,464 hā¹yr̄¹) and net returns (Rs 15,96,806 hā¹yr̄¹) recorded under hortiagriculture system in altitudinal zone-III. The Benefit: Cost Ratio were found significantly affected by the different agroforestry systems being practiced with maximum (3.21) recorded under pastoralsilviculture system in altitudinal zone-I. This study offers a useful approach for selecting different agroforestry systems to maximize profits and further help to improve the socio-economic status of farmers in North Western Himalayas

Agroforestry, Economic, marginal farmer and productivity

The study on the economic productivity of agroforestry systems in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh reveals that agroforestry offers a sustainable and economically viable land-use option in the mid-hill Himalayan region. Various agroforestry systems such as agri-silviculture, horti-agriculture, agri-horticulture, silvi-pastoral, and agri-silvi-horticulture are practiced by farmers depending on altitude, soil type, and socio-economic conditions. Among these, horti-agriculture systems—especially those integrating apple orchards with vegetable and cereal crops—emerged as the most profitable, generating higher net returns per hectare and favorable benefit-cost ratios. These systems not only diversify farm income but also enhance resource utilization and provide ecological services like soil conservation, moisture retention, and carbon sequestration. Silvi-pastoral and agri-silvicultural systems, although less lucrative in immediate cash returns, were found to contribute significantly to fodder, fuelwood, and livestock support, which indirectly improves household economy and food security. Farmers practicing integrated agroforestry systems reported better income stability, reduced risk of crop failure, and year-round employment opportunities, reducing seasonal outmigration from rural areas. Agroforestry systems in Shimla district offer a promising pathway to sustainable land use and enhanced rural livelihoods. The integration of trees, crops, and livestock contributes not only to increased economic returns but also to long-term environmental stability. The study concludes that: Horti-agriculture systems, particularly apple-based, are the most economically productive in the region. Agroforestry systems improve land productivity, diversify income sources, and ensure better climate resilience. These systems are particularly suitable for hilly terrain, where traditional mono-cropping is limited by ecological constraints. With appropriate policy support, access to technical knowledge, and market linkage, agroforestry can be scaled up to improve the economic well-being of hill farmers and promote climate-resilient agriculture. Hence, the promotion of agroforestry in Shimla and similar agro-climatic zones can play a significant role in achieving sustainable agricultural development and rural economic growth

Dinesh Kumar, K.S. Pant and Prem Prakash (2025). Economic Productivity of the Agroforestry Systems in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Biological Forum, 17(6): 87-95