Speakers - AFHWC2025

Abstract

Baranaaja is the traditional cropping pattern of the Central Himalayan region. It can be described as a “simultaneous system” where wide variety of crops are cultivated across space and time. It is an example of “Conservation Agriculture” which has evolved through centuries of wisdom and traditional knowledge. A wide range of genetic pool has accumulated as a result of adaptation strategies that have evolved through centuries in response to variation in edaphic, topographic and climatic conditions. Farmers grow about hundred varieties of paddy, 170 varieties of kidney beans, eight varieties of wheat, four varieties of barley and about a dozen varieties of pulses and oil seeds each year.

The article explores the contribution of Baranaaja for food and nutrition security, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The relevance of this indigenous ecological practice is substantiated by describing the advantages of the practice in terms of nutrient use efficiency, ecological, economic and other resource use efficiency. The pathways to integrating this practice in modern agricultural system is also discussed.  By integrating Baranaaja into national strategies for food security, livelihood generation, and rural development in the Himalayas, we can empower smallholder farmers, improve nutrition, and create resilient agricultural systems that can withstand the vagaries of climate change. The promotion of Baranaaja system will help us in returning to our roots with a forward-looking strategy to ensure a Viksit Bharat—where development is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for all.

Key words: Baraanaja, Central Himalaya, Climate resilient agriculture, Ecological efficiency,  Food security, Resource use efficiency.