Nagaland Farmers Report Climate Change Impacts on Crops in NEC-Funded Study
Farmers in eastern Nagaland are reporting significant and visible impacts of climate change on their agricultural practices and crop yields, according to findings from an ongoing research project funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC). The observations were made during a detailed field visit to the Noksen, Logsing, and Moalenden areas in Tuensang district on February 21 by a team of researchers from Nagaland University.
Research Team and Field Observations
The university released a statement on Tuesday confirming that the field visit was conducted by principal investigator Ashutosh Tripathi and co-principal investigator Ashutosh Tripathi from the department of environmental science at Nagaland University. The research team received valuable assistance from Nohochem Sangtam of Fazl Ali College in Mokokchung during their extensive fieldwork in the region.
Farmers Report Climate-Related Challenges
During comprehensive interactions with farming communities across multiple villages, local residents reported several concerning climate-related phenomena that are disrupting their traditional agricultural practices. Villagers specifically highlighted:
- Erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns
- Significantly delayed monsoon seasons
- Noticeably rising temperatures throughout the year
- Sudden, intense heavy showers that damage crops
These climate changes have severely disrupted traditional cropping patterns that farming communities have relied upon for generations. The cultivation of essential crops including paddy, sugarcane, oranges, chillies, and various vegetables has been particularly affected by these environmental shifts.
Agricultural Impacts and Consequences
Farmers provided detailed accounts of how climate change is affecting their livelihoods and food security. Key observations from the farming communities include:
- Declining crop yields across multiple agricultural products
- Increased incidence of pests and crop diseases
- Adverse impacts on jhum cultivation, the traditional shifting cultivation practice
- Disruption of soil fertility cycles due to shifting rainfall patterns
The research team noted that these climate-induced challenges are creating substantial difficulties for farmers who depend on agriculture for their sustenance and economic stability.
NEC-Supported Research Project
The North Eastern Council-funded project, titled "Evaluation of Climate Change Perception, Knowledge and Responses in Tribal Communities of Nagaland, NE India," aims to systematically document grassroots experiences with climate change and develop region-specific adaptation strategies. The research represents a crucial effort to understand how climate change is affecting tribal communities in northeastern India and to identify practical solutions that can help these communities build resilience.
Current Adaptation Efforts and Future Needs
Researchers observed that farmers are already implementing various coping mechanisms in response to changing climate conditions. These adaptive strategies include:
- Adjusting traditional sowing dates to align with new weather patterns
- Diversifying crop selections to include more climate-resilient varieties
- Experimenting with different agricultural techniques
However, the research team emphasized that despite these local adaptation efforts, there remains a pressing need for stronger institutional and technical support to enhance climate resilience in the region. The study highlights the importance of developing comprehensive support systems that can help farming communities better withstand the ongoing impacts of climate change while maintaining their agricultural traditions and food security.
