Food security in the Kullu District, India: perspectives, policies and learning in the transition to commercial agriculture
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Date
2014-02-26
Authors
Dunne, Leanne
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Abstract
The transition from subsistence agriculture to crop commercialization can raise concerns about food security at the local level. Contributing factors and impacts of this transition and resulting local perspectives on food security issues are examined in the Manali area, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India. The overall purpose of this research was to explore how the transition from a subsistence land-use system of agriculture to commercial cropping has impacted local perspectives of food security. The results indicate that although people feel food secure within the commercial cropping system, new areas of vulnerability to food insecurity has arisen. Climate change, market fluctuations, disease and an increasing reliance on chemicals are among the present challenges and concerns for farmers today. Also, although dietary preferences have changed, traditional crops still have value and importance within the new type of system, providing a sense of security in socio-cultural and religious ways.
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Keywords
Food, Security, India