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What types of work support most people in Himachal Pradesh?
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Himachal Pradesh
The valley of the gods, Kullu Valley, central Himachal Pradesh, India.
The majority of people in Himachal Pradesh depend on the following sectors for their livelihood:
- Agriculture and Horticulture: Farming is a primary occupation, with the state being well-known for its extensive fruit orchards, particularly in the Kullu valley, where apples, peaches, pears, and cherries are grown.12
- Pastoralism and Transhumance: Many residents engage in animal husbandry and transhumance, which involves the seasonal migration of livestock such as sheep, goats, and yaks between high-elevation summer pastures and lower elevations during colder months.12
- Forestry: The management and utilization of forest resources remain a significant source of support for the population.1
While these traditional activities sustain most of the population, the state government has actively encouraged the growth of the manufacturing sector. This includes both large-scale industrial production—such as cement, electronics, and electrical goods—and thousands of artisan-based, small-scale manufacturing units that operate throughout the state. Additionally, the development of hydropower and the promotion of tourism serve as vital components of the regional economy.1342