India, March 14 -- Shallow soil, labour intensity, geographical remoteness from major markets and a lack of quality planting materials are some critical issues

Spiti, the "the middle land", known for its beautiful barren mountains, is among the least populated regions of India with about two inhabitants per square kilometre. The cold desert in Himachal Pradesh is characterised by average temperatures between 39 degrees Celsius during summers and a chilling -30degC during winters.

The agricultural season is short, spanning from April to October, as the remaining months are too cold for crop production. Precipitation primarily takes the form of snowfall from October to April, with negligible rainfall. The area is completely irrigated with...