Himachal Pradesh, though a small state as compared to many other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan still has its own sources of income and is not dependent on others. Himachal Pradesh is the second most literate state after Kerala in the nation. This implies that people here have good sources of income that maximum of its population is taking the benefit of education and leading a healthy life. Here I am going to discuss about the major sources of income in Himachal Pradesh:
Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh:
Agriculture ranks the top of the list of the sources of income in Himachal Pradesh. It should be marked that Himachal Pradesh is the state with maximum rural population. Most of the people have their own pieces of land and thus agriculture being the main source of income and employment in Himachal. Almost a percentage of about 93% of the Himachal population is dependent on agriculture and it provides employment to about 71% of the population. Himachal has various cash crops differing from region to region. Apple, almonds, pear, tomatoes, peas form the main cash crops of the upper Shimla area people viz. Rohru, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Kotgarh, Kotkhai. Other districts are famous for cereals like wheat rice, barley and maize.
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh being the state having a number of beautiful places and hill stations is also a state of tourist attraction. Every year, thousands of tourists come and visit places like, Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie, Kufri etc. People not only come from the different parts of the country but from different parts of the world. Thus tourism is also one of the main sources of income and employment for the people of Himachal. Several hotels located at this tourist spots provide an ease for the tourist to stay and enjoy the scenic beauty of Himachal. They provide comfortable service and thus earning handsome money from the visitors. Himachal Pradesh government employs strict rules so as to keep the State clean and maintain its beauty, so that it does not hamper the major business that is tourism.
Hydroelectric Projects in Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh enjoys its hegemony over the other states in respect of having hydroelectric projects. 25% of hydel resources are present in our state. Bhakra Nangal Dam, which is the Asia’s biggest dam is in Himachal. About 20,300MW of hydel power can be generated here by setting up various minor and major hydel projects. These projects are the main sources of electricity in Punjab and Himachal, thus generating a good revenue.
Himachal is also rich in various hand made items, which is also a part of earning various people in Himachal. Kullu people are famous for 'Shawls, Pattos, Pahari Caps, Woolen Clothes'. These are all hand made products bringing good money to the people. Like this, there are various other small things which contributes to the income of Himachal Pradesh.