Development in the Himalayas Evidence from Himachal Pradesh Ramesh Chand Although economic factors strongly favour the promotion ofhorticulture in the Himalayas the strategy has been questioned, on the grounds that horticulture would result in ecological degradation in the region. This paper investigates the impact of the expansion of area under fruits and vegetables in Himachal Pradesh and attempts to provide an appropriate perspective for formulating a policy for horticulture in the region.