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This paper examines sustainability of cash crops production systems as compared to traditional cereal cropping patterns in terms of their energy efficiency, ecological suitability, economic profitability, and social acceptability. The consistent supply of labor and energy are the most significant requirements for substantial growth of agricultural productivity in Himalayan region. For output–input ratio in terms of monetary efficiency, cash crops performed better (3.16–3.56) as compared to traditional crops (1.57–3.31), whereas the energy output–input ratio of traditional crops was found more efficient (1.63–4.72) as compared to cash crops (1.26–2.36). The monetary input and output analysis of Rabi crops was estimated to be 23.39% and 25.3% of Kharif crops, respectively; Similarly, variance in energy input (27.3%) and output (32.44%) analysis was observed between Rabi and Kharif crops, respectively. Energy input in the form of manure accounted >90% of total energy input, while other inputs (

Environmental disasters and socio-ecological vulnerability associated with human capacity in any disaster affected region of the world is considered as a key factor in understanding the occurrence of environmental disasters, and consequently, in developing and applying adequate strategies for prevention. The identification of risks and the factors responsible for vulnerability are crucial in analysis and framing strategies for coping and adaptation to the situation. The present paper focuses on identification of potential indicators for disaster risk assessment, socio-economic and cultural vulnerability of local people while striving to cope with shocks of disaster and adaptation and coping strategies of people to mitigate the impact of disaster in Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand. Based on the long term research and assessment of potential cost-effective bio-resources available locally, this article recommends some of the priority interventions and technology packages for the immediate implementation as well as capacity building of the community to make them economically sustainable and future-ready to respond swiftly towards such catastrophe with less negative impact. Only appropriate strategic framework and their implementation can sustain the human as well as biodiversity in the fragile Himalayan landscape.

The present study was aimed to determine the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of above ground (AG) and below ground (BG) part of four medicinal plants (MAPs) viz., Picrorhiza kurroa, Asperagus racemosus, Ocimum sanctum and Valeriana wallichii on germination and seedling growth of some traditional food and oilseed crops. The aqueous extract of AG and BG part of the studied MAPs at 2 % significantly reduced the germination, plumule and radicle growth of the selected pulse and oil seed crops in bioassays. The results of the present experiments revealed that MAPs have inhibitory effect on food and oilseed crops owing an occurrence of allelochemicals.