Agriculture in Hemis is an exercise in human resilience, severely constrained by high altitude, poor rocky soil, and a very short growing season (roughly May to September).
Farming relies entirely on ancient, ingenious systems of meltwater irrigation, channeling water from glaciers and snowfields down to terraced fields. The primary crops are cold-hardy staples: barley (roasted and ground to make *tsampa*, the local dietary staple), wheat, potatoes, and peas.
Livestock is just as vital as crops. Residents herd yaks, *dzos* (a robust yak-cow crossbreed), sheep, and goats. These animals provide indispensable resources: milk, butter, meat, hide, and wool. Organic farming is practically the default, as the region's isolation has historically limited the introduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
