Physiographically, Himachal Pradesh is part of the Himalayan system. From south to north it can be topographically divided into three zones:
- The Shivaliks or Outer Himalayas,
- Inner Himalayas or midmountains, and
- Alpine zone or the Greater Himalaya.
The Shivaliks or Outer Himalayas
Climate in this zone is Sub Tropical and consists of foothills and valley area from 350 to 650 meters above mean sea level. It occupies about 35% of the geographical area and about 40% of the cultivated area of the State. The major crops grown in this Zone are Wheat, Maize, Paddy, Gram, Sugarcane, Mustard, Potato, Vegetables etc.
Inner Himalayas or midmountains
- This zone extends from 651 meters to 1,800 meters above mean sea level. Having mild temperate climate. It occupies about 32% of the total geographical area and about 37% of the cultivated area of the State.
- The major crops are Wheat, Maize, Barley, Black Gram, Beans, Paddy etc.
- This zone has very good potential for the cultivation of cash crops like Off-Season Vegetables, Ginger and production of quality seeds of temperate vegetables like Cauliflower and root crops.
Alpine zone or the Greater Himalayas
- It lies from 1,801 to 2,200 meters above sea level with humid temperate climate and alpine pastures.
- This zone covers about 35% of the geographical areas and about 21% of the cultivated area of the State.
- The commonly grown crops are Wheat, Barley, Lesser Millets, Pseudo-cereals (Buckwheat and Amaranthus), Maize and Potato etc.
- The area is ideally suited for the production of quality seed Potato and temperate Vegetables. This zone possesses good pastures and meadows.