Livelihood diversification in cold arid desert of Indian Himalaya: urgent need of transforming traditional agroforestry system with emphasis on adoption of herbal farming

Agroforestry is a science which has the potential to contribute to the improvement of rural livelihood. Due to capacity of its various forms, it offers multiple alternative and opportunities to the farmers to enhance farm production and income, while protecting the agricultural environment. The local inhabitants of Ladakh region, a Cold Arid Desert, have their traditional Agroforestry system which plays an important role in meeting diverse subsistence needs particularly in xeric condition occurs during prolonged winter season. In our study, we assessed potential of traditional Agroforestry system in present livelihood perspectives. The present article stressed upon development of an integrated Agroforestry system to provide sustainable livelihood and environmental security maintaining present standard of living in Ladakh region.