An Analysis of Mountain Agro-Ecosystems

Mountains comprise only nearly 20% of the Earth's geographical area, but send happiness to the whole world - in terms of biophysical materials, water streams, life-enhancing climate and ethical and aesthetic values. Mountains' ecological wellbeing is the basis of mountain dwellers' own well being. The existing agro-ecosystems in the mountains, especially in the Himalayas, encompass all the major components in organic linkages with each other. The distinctive features of these agro-ecosystems could be helpful in addressing inherent fragility and marginality of the mountains and in acquiring sustainability in the region largely dependent on agriculture-based livelihoods. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors worth boosting the functional performance of the mountain agro-ecosystems have been highlighted. Ways and means of ecological amelioration and sustainability infusion in agriculture have been fabulously explained. The book, in essence, attempts to cultivate new hopes for the agriculture-dependent mountain communities as well as for those who think of and work for the cause of the Earth.