Facing the Climate Crisis: How Farmers in Manipur Are Adapting to Change

In recent years, extreme weather patterns linked to climate change are hitting communities hard, especially farmers in Manipur, India. These changes are pushing many farmers away from their traditional crops, altering their livelihoods.

In Kakching, a region once known as the “sugar bowl of Manipur,” a staggering 95% of sugarcane plantations have been abandoned. Farmers tell a grim story of dwindling rainfall. A sugarcane crop, which is mostly water, now yields only a fraction of what it once did. Instead of the 70-80 tins of sugarcane juice they used to harvest from an acre, they now struggle to gather just 20-25 tins.

Similar troubles plague orange farmers in Tamenglong. They’re facing plant diseases that reduce their harvests and the size of their fruit. Farmers who once thrived are now exploring different crops just to make ends meet. In Kashai village, lemon trees show signs of distress, with insects attacking them and the fruit becoming smaller and less juicy.

Other regions face grave challenges too. Families living near Loktak Lake have noticed a serious drop in fish catches. Changes in water quality limit their daily catch, creating economic strain for those who depend on fishing.

The unpredictable weather is alarming. Hot days are more frequent, and we see more droughts and heavy rains. This year’s rainfall was decent, but it’s hard to know what will happen during the crucial harvest period.

Globally, we are facing similar issues. Events like El Niño are becoming more frequent, leading to unusual rainfall patterns in places like Atacama, which is typically very dry. Warmer ocean temperatures are fueling stronger cyclones, making climate change a pressing concern worldwide.

Increasing levels of carbon dioxide are altering ocean acidity and adversely affecting marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to plankton, which produces a significant amount of the Earth’s oxygen. Changes in rainfall and temperature can also disrupt plant and animal migration patterns, leading to accelerated extinction rates. Some species might vanish as quickly as one every 20 minutes.

Farmers, grappling with harsh realities, are shifting to new crops as old ones fail. Yet, the hope for a good harvest dims with the relentless grip of climate change. This pressure has been linked to global pandemics like COVID-19 and Ebola, showcasing how environmental changes can have far-reaching effects.

As climate-related crises escalate, nations may see conflicts arise over dwindling resources like water and food. For India, the government has allocated ₹3,413 crore to combat climate change, marking a 9% increase from last year. Efforts are underway, but more aggressive measures are essential to tackle shrinking farmland and worsening pollution.

As we face these challenges, it’s vital to remember the stories of individuals and communities affected. Their experiences highlight the urgent need for global awareness and action.

For more insights, check out the report by the [IPCC](https://www.ipcc.ch/), which discusses climate change impacts globally.

Source link