Himachal Pradesh lies between 31 22’40” and
33 12’ 40” N latitude and 75 45’ 55” and 79 04’ 20” E
longitude, bounded by J&K in North, Punjab and Haryana in
the South, Uttranchal in the South East and Tibet in the
East. It has been divided into four agro climatic
zones.
1. SHIWALIK HILL ZONE (Sub Tropical, Sub Mountain
and Low Hills): Comprising of upland of part of Chamba, Kangra,
Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmour and Bilaspur District.
Climate Sun Tropical consists
of foothills and valley area having elevation from 350 to 650 meters
above sea level. It occupies about 35% of the geographical area and
about 33% of the cultivated area of the State. The major crops grown
in this Zone are Wheat, Maize, Paddy, Black Gram, Sugarcane,
Mustard, Potato, Vegetables, Pulses and Barley.
2. MID HILL ZONE (Sub Humid Mid Hills):
Comprising of part of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Shimla and
Sirmour District.
This zone extends from 651 meters to 1800 meters above sea level, having
mild temperate climate. It occupies about 32% of the total
geographical area and about 53% of the cultivated area of the State.
The major crops are Wheat, Maize, Paddy, Black Gram, Barley and
Beans, Pulses and Forages etc. This zone has very good potential for
the cultivation of cash crops like off season Vegetables, Ginger and
production of quality seeds of temperate vegetables like cauliflower
and root crops.
3. HIGH HILL ZONE (Wet Temperate High Hills): Comprising of parts of
Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmour district and inner most of Shimla and
Kullu district.
This zone lies from 1801 to 2200 meters above sea level with humid
temperate climate and alpine pastures. The commonly grown crops are
Wheat, Barley, Lesser Millets, Pseudo- cereals (Buckwheat and
Amaranthus), Maize, Rice and Potato etc. The area is ideally suited
to the production of quality seed potato and temperate vegetables.
- COLD DRY ZONE (Dry Temperate High Hills):
Comprising of major parts of Chamba and
Kinnaur, entire Lahaul-Spiti and northern parts
of Kullu District.
This zone lies above 2200 meters above sea level. It
occupies about 8% of the geographical area and 3% of the
total cultivated area of the State. The major crops grown
are Wheat, Barley, Rajmash, Pseudo cereals like Buckwheat,
Amaranthus. It is ideally suited to the Production of
quality seed potato, temperate and European type of
vegetables and their seeds, seed potato and peas seed. |