Computation of Z-Score for an Analytical Study Identifying the Involvement of Agricultural Workers in the Production of Food Grains, Fruits and Flowers in Uttarakhand

Agricultural workers play a significant role in food grain production in Uttarakhand, a predominantly mountainous state characterised by difficult terrain and fragile ecosystems. Due to steep slopes, small and fragmented landholdings, and limited access to modern agricultural machinery, farming in the region relies heavily on agricultural workers. Agricultural workers contribute through traditional practices such as terraced cultivation, contour farming, and indigenous water management systems, which help conserve soil and moisture. They actively cultivate major food grains, including mandua (finger millet) and jhangora (barnyard millet), as well as local varieties of fruits and flowers, all well adapted to the hill environment. Their knowledge of climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming methods supports food security and biodiversity conservation. Despite challenges such as migration, climate variability, and declining agricultural returns, agricultural workers remain central to sustaining food grain production and maintaining the ecological balance of Uttarakhand’s hill agriculture.This research paper is intended to conduct an analytical study on the involvement of agricultural workers in the per-hectare agricultural production of food grains, fruits, and flowers in the study area. Uttarakhand plays a pivotal role in sustaining food grain production despite challenging environmental and socio-economic conditions.