In hills, the farmers of valley areas (Zone-I) get the highest returns from agriculture (Rs. 15787/- per ha) as compared to the farmers of other zones. The farmers of Zone-II (mid-hills) get the lowest return (Rs. 5888/- per ha) as compared to the farmers of other two zones. Rainfed situation and poor soils conditions make agriculture less profitable in mid-hills. In Zone-I dependence on the market for wheat is the least (110.91 Kg./ household/ year) whereas in Zone-II dependence on market for wheat is maximum (204.64 Kg./ household/ year). This is, therefore, important that intensified efforts be made to increase wheat production to make the hill farmers self sustained. The main reasons for low productivity in hills are i) marginal and scattered land holdings; ii) non-availability of good quality seeds of improved varieties; iii) lack of irrigation water and iv) non-availability of farm inputs.

Keyword: Rainfed situation; Marginal; Scattered land holdings