Agrobiodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya: sociocultural significance, status, practices, and challenges
This publication seeks to document the findings of a study on the general characteristics of agrodiversity, its significance, status, rate of change, and causal factors; the ecological, social, and policy dimensions of agrodiversity and their impact on the loss of agrobiodiversity; and existing strategies for the management of agroecosystems in the Sikkim Himalaya. The specific objectives of the study were to document and review: Agricultural diversity in the various ecological zones and agroclimatic conditions of the Sikkim Himalaya; Landraces and varieties of traditional crops in the Sikkim Himalaya and varieties introduced in existing agroecosystems; Status and promotion of pollinator species, such as honeybees, and their role in pollinating a diversity of crops; and Existing literature on agricultural biodiversity, policies, strategies, and action plans.