What is the influence of the Himalayas on Indian agriculture?
Answers
The Himalayas has a profound influence on Indian agriculture. Following are the ways in which the Himalayas influence Indian agriculture –
a. Rivers – Agriculture is the mainstay of many people living in the northern region. The Himalayas are the source of water to the three major river systems namely, the Indus river system, the Ganga river system and the Brahmaputra river system. These three river systems altogether with numerous tributaries and distributaries have a large catchment area that they drain and provide life-giving water to the people living in the region. The agricultural lands are irrigated by the water of these rivers.
b. Rains – the Himalayas prevent the rain-bearing monsoon winds from escaping to Asia continent by obstructing its path and forcing them to rain in India. Monsoons are the main source of water/irrigation in India. Its failure results in drought and famine in many parts of India.
c. Fertile soil –River originating in the Himalayas carry loads of fertile alluvium while sculpting the valleys in its upper course. These sediments are deposits on the banks of the river when the river enters the plain and thus each year fertile soil deposited by the river which promotes agricultural production in the plain and delta region.
influence of the Himalayas on Indian agriculture:-
✔Himalayas are responsible for causing rainfall in the plains during summer season and ultimately to have a monsoon type climate in the country.
✔The formation of himalayas influences the climate in various ways.
✔This helps indian agriculture to cultivate many varieties of crops.
✔Fertile soils with continuous water supply for irrigation helps to produce abundant crops.