Farming in Peril: Meghalaya’s High-Risk Climate Future Threatens Food Security and Livelihoods
Meghalaya’s Farmers Face High-to-Very High Climate Risk, Study Finds
As the climate crisis worsens, Indian farmers are reeling from its devastating effects. Now, a recent assessment by the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) has identified Meghalaya as one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the country. The study reveals that all districts in Meghalaya are at high risk, with Ri-Bhoi district considered particularly susceptible to climate-related disasters.
Climate Risks Overwhelm Meghalaya’s Agriculture
The NICRA assessment, which analyzed 38 risk indicators including rising temperatures, droughts, and erratic rainfall, highlights the state’s inherent vulnerability to climate fluctuations. With 95% of its agricultural land remaining rain-fed, Meghalaya’s farming sector is severely impacted by these weather extremes. The study’s findings are stark: 3.2 million hectares of crops across 35 states were affected by extreme weather events in just 255 out of 274 days (as of September 30, 2024).
Rising Temperatures Disrupt Crop Cycles and Reduce Yields
The NICRA study underscores the urgent need for action, as rising minimum temperatures can severely disrupt crop cycles and significantly reduce yields. This is a worrying prospect for Meghalaya’s small, marginal farmers, who already struggle to make a living from their land. Without immediate attention, climate-related crop losses and food insecurity will only worsen.
A Call to Action
The crisis facing Meghalaya’s farmers demands immediate attention from policymakers, researchers, and civil society. By understanding the scale of the problem, we can work together to develop sustainable solutions, support climate-resilient agriculture, and ensure the long-term viability of Meghalaya’s agricultural sector.
Key Takeaways:
• All districts in Meghalaya are at high risk of climate-related disasters, with Ri-Bhoi district considered particularly vulnerable.
• 95% of Meghalaya’s agricultural land is rain-fed, making it highly susceptible to weather extremes.
• 3.2 million hectares of crops across 35 states were affected by extreme weather events in just 255 out of 274 days (as of September 30, 2024).
• Rising minimum temperatures can disrupt crop cycles and significantly reduce yields, further exacerbating food insecurity.
Read the full report from NICRA: [Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/meghalaya/meghalayas-farmers-face-high-to-very-high-climate-risk-study-finds.html]
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Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/meghalaya/meghalayas-farmers-face-high-to-very-high-climate-risk-study-finds.html
Category : Meghalaya,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-03-02 09:45:00
