Abstract

Background: Uttarakhand’s hill agriculture is deeply rooted in traditional practices such as terrace farming, crop rotation, and the Barahnaja system. These methods embody ecological wisdom and ensure food security, yet they face growing threats from climate change, modernization, and socioeconomic transformations.
Objectives: To analyze the sustainability challenges of traditional agriculture in Uttarakhand, explore its role in biodiversity conservation, and propose strategies for integrating traditional practices with modern innovations.
Methods: A review of traditional agricultural practices and their ecological significance was undertaken, focusing on key systems like Barahnaja. Challenges were assessed, including climate impacts, land-use changes, and socio-economic shifts. Opportunities for conservation and development were explored through literature and case studies.
Results: Traditional practices in Uttarakhand support biodiversity, soil health, and water management. However, challenges such as erratic rainfall, rural outmigration, and market pressures threaten their viability. Integrating modern techniques, promoting agro-tourism, and ensuring intellectual property rights for local farmers emerged as viable solutions.
Conclusion: Revitalizing traditional agriculture by merging indigenous knowledge with innovation can enhance sustainability, ensure food security, and conserve biodiversity in Uttarakhand. Collective efforts are needed to protect this cultural heritage for the resilience of rural communities.

Keywords:Traditional agriculture; biodiversity conservation; Sustainable development; Climate resilience