Uttarakhand - Department of Land Resources

CHAPTER -3
STATUS OF RAINFED AREAS IN THE STATE
POSITION OF RAINFED AREA IN THE STATE
On the basis of various climatic factors, influencing crop productivity, the State‟s
agriculture in hill is divided in four climatic regions.
A. Lower hills, rainfed Below 1000 m above msl
B. Mid hills, rainfed north aspect 1000-1500 m above msl
C. Mid hills rain fed south aspects 1000-1500 m above msl
D. Mid hills, irrigated 1000-1500 m above msl
E. High hills, rainfed north aspect 1500-2400 m above msl
F. High hills, rainfed south aspect 1500-2400 m above msl
G. Very high hills Above 2400 m above msl
Though the rainfall pattern vary from district to district and also with altitudes and
slopes, the average annual rainfall experienced in Uttarakhand is 1500 mm. In the 71
development blocks of hill being fully rainfed, the monsoon behavior like onset/ duration
of precipitation, intensity of precipitation and withdrawal of monsoon etc. cast great
effect on crop production. As per the Annual report of Uttarakhand Organic Commodity
Board it has been found through analysis of rainfall pattern during last many years
that:-
Rainfall in monsoon is generally deficient and erratic over the years.
Peak rainfall is shifting from the mid July to mid August.
The total number of rainy days is shrinking.
During Rabi Season, rainfall was erratic/ negligible over the years.
Peak rainfall in Rabi season is shifting towards harvesting season.
Of the total States area 9.38% is the net rainfed area under agriculture, 4.79% area is
under Horticulture, 24.72% area is under the other categories i.e., areas under non
agriculture Use (NAU), culturable wastelands, pasture lands etc. Almora, Bageshwar,
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