Climate change-an impact study in Himachal Pradesh

The study on impact of climate change has been conducted in four different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh and household respondents opinion with respect to rainfall precipitation, land use and crop productivity from each zone has been considered for analyzing the results. Respondents of all the zones viz I, II, III and IV were of the opinion that water level and flow of Nallahs, rivers etc has declined due to rise in temperature during summer season and less precipitation during the winter season thereby reducing the moisture content of soil affecting the delay in sowing of crops. The delay in sowing and harvesting time of crops has been observed in zones I, II and III by fifteen days to a month. However in zone IV sowing of crops has been preponed by fifteen days. Diseases incidence and scarcity of irrigation water was affecting the productivity of the crops in general. Apple growing belt in low lying areas has become extremely marginal therefore shifting trends have been observed for diversification with other fruit crops like kiwi and pomegranate and vegetable seed production. The snowline has also been shifted upward to higher altitude. Thus the quality production of apple has been shifted to higher altitude including dry temperate zone of Kinnaur and Spiti area of Lahaul and Spiti district. The shift in scenario of farming community in cultivating crops due to direct impact on hydrological services in the experience of the respondents outlining changes in climate in their immediate environment led to the adaptation strategies of the species as bio-indicators of climate change.