• • The recent findings shared by horticulturists and agriculturalists at the Shimla Climate Meet paint a concerning picture. Farmers in India’s hill states, particularly those in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, are bearing the brunt of a rapidly changing climate.

• • This editorial aims to shed light on the specific challenges faced by these farmers and advocate for urgent action to mitigate the impact of climate change on their livelihoods.

• • The apple growers of Himachal Pradesh are finding it tough to meet the ‘chilling hour’ requirement of the apple plant and the required temperatures during bloom.
  • The impact of climate change in Kashmir is visible in the reduced production of saffron and paddy and the increasing cultivation of warm-area fruits like orange and kiwi.
  • In Uttarakhand, the paddy-wheat cycle has taken a major hit due to erratic rainfall, especially over the last five-six years.

A web of disruptions:

• • The erratic weather patterns are disrupting the established agricultural cycles in the hills. Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh struggle to meet the “chilling hour” requirement, a crucial period of cold temperatures needed for fruit development. Saffron and paddy production in Kashmir are witnessing a decline, while the cultivation of warm-area fruits like orange and kiwi is on the rise. This shift signifies a desperate adaptation by farmers to a new reality, but it comes at the cost of traditional practices and the identity associated with specific regional crops.

Beyond the harvest:

• • The impact of climate change goes beyond crop yields. Untimely snowfall or its absence disrupts water availability, a vital resource for agriculture. The melting of glaciers poses long-term threats to water security in these regions. Additionally, extreme weather events like hailstorms and floods can devastate entire fields, leaving farmers with significant financial losses.

A call to action:

• • The plight of hill state farmers necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Research and development institutions must prioritize climate-resilient crop varieties and improved irrigation techniques. Early warning systems for extreme weather events can help farmers take necessary precautions. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices like water conservation and soil health improvement will be crucial in building resilience.

Collaboration is key:

• • Mitigating climate change requires a global effort. However, at the national level, robust support systems for hill state farmers are essential. This may include crop insurance schemes specifically designed to address climate-related risks and financial assistance for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.

The future we cultivate:

• • The challenges faced by hill state farmers are a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our world. By supporting these communities and investing in sustainable solutions, we can ensure food security not just for the present but for generations to come. Ignoring this issue will have severe consequences, not just for the livelihoods of these farmers but for the overall health of our environment. Let us act now to cultivate a future where both our farmers and our environment can thrive.

What is the reason behind this climate fluctuations in hilly states?

The climate fluctuations experienced in the hilly states of India, like Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, are primarily caused by global climate change. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

• • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing a gradual rise in global temperatures.
  • Impact on Mountain Regions: Mountain regions are particularly sensitive to changes in global temperature. As the average temperature increases, the effects are amplified in these high-altitude areas. This leads to:
  • • Melting Glaciers: Glaciers act as natural water reservoirs for these regions. With rising temperatures, they melt at a faster rate, disrupting water availability for agriculture and hydroelectricity generation.

• • • Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Rainfall patterns become erratic and unpredictable. Some areas might experience more frequent and intense rainfall events like flash floods, while others might face prolonged droughts.

• • • Shifting Snowfall Patterns: The timing and amount of snowfall are changing. Reduced snowfall disrupts the natural “chilling hours” needed for fruit development in crops like apples.

Local Factors: While global climate change is the primary driver, some local factors can exacerbate the situation:

• • Deforestation: Loss of tree cover can lead to soil erosion and affect local weather patterns.

• • Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Practices like excessive use of fertilizers and overgrazing can contribute to land degradation and worsen the impact of climate change.

Overall, the climate fluctuations in hilly states are a complex issue with global and local causes. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach:

• • Global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainable land management practices.
  • Developing climate-resilient crop varieties.
  • Improved weather forecasting and early warning systems.
  • Supporting farmers in adapting to changing conditions.

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Mains Questions:

Model Answer:

Challenges:

• • Erratic weather patterns: Unpredictable rainfall, changes in snowfall patterns, and rising temperatures disrupt established agricultural cycles. For example, apple growers struggle to meet the “chilling hour” requirement due to warmer winters.
  • Water scarcity: Melting glaciers and changes in precipitation patterns lead to water scarcity, impacting irrigation and overall crop yields.
  • Increased risk of natural disasters: Extreme weather events like hailstorms, floods, and landslides cause significant damage to crops and infrastructure.
  • Shifting cultivation zones: Traditional crops become unsuitable due to changing climatic conditions, forcing farmers to adopt new varieties and practices.

Adaptation Strategies:

• • Develop climate-resilient crop varieties: Research on and adoption of drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and early-maturing crop varieties can help farmers adapt to changing conditions.
  • Improved water management practices: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, and soil moisture conservation can optimize water usage and reduce dependence on rainfall patterns.
  • Early warning systems: Implementing weather forecasting and early warning systems can help farmers prepare for extreme weather events and minimize damage.
  • Promotion of sustainable agriculture: Practices like organic farming, crop diversification, and integrated pest management can improve soil health and build resilience against climate change impacts.
  • Crop insurance schemes: Schemes designed specifically for climate-related risks can provide financial security to farmers in case of crop failure due to extreme weather events.

Model Answer:

Vulnerability of Hilly States:

• • High altitude ecosystems: These regions are more sensitive to temperature increases, leading to faster glacial retreat and disruptions in their natural resource base.
  • Dependence on glacial meltwater: The agriculture and hydroelectricity generation in these regions heavily rely on glacial meltwater, making them vulnerable to water scarcity due to receding glaciers.
  • Limited adaptation capacity: Hilly communities often have limited resources and infrastructure to adapt to rapid climatic changes.
    Mitigation Strategies:

National Level:

• • Promote renewable energy sources: Shifting towards solar, wind, and hydro power can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to global emission reduction efforts.
  • Afforestation and reforestation programs: Increasing forest cover can help sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change.
  • Policy and financial support for climate-resilient agriculture: Government policies and financial support can incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices and invest in climate-resilient crop varieties.

International Level:

• • Active participation in international agreements: India can play a vital role in international agreements like the Paris Agreement to push for stricter emission reduction targets and access to climate finance mechanisms.
  • Collaboration on climate research and technology transfer: Sharing knowledge and technological advancements in renewable energy and climate adaptation strategies between countries can accelerate mitigation efforts globally.
  • By implementing these strategies at both national and international levels, we can build resilience in India’s hilly states and ensure the sustainable livelihoods of their farming communities in the face of climate change.

Remember, these are just two examples of UPSC Mains questions inspired by the upsc current affair. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!

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