Horticulture Crop Production In North-western Himalayas Under Changing Climate Scenario

Abstract

During the recent past, weather patterns all over the world have changed and Himachal Pradesh of North-Western Himalaya is no exception. The trend analysis of temperature and precipitation data was done by taking data of 1973-1990 from wet temperate and 1971-90 duration from sub temperate region as baseline which was further divided into two periods i) 1991-2000; ii) 2001-2011 and variation was analysed season wise. In the sub temperate region maximum temperature has increased in all the seasons, however highest increase of 3.11oC was noticed in winter season during 2001-2011 period from the base years of 1971-90. The average minimum temperature was found to decrease over the base period of 197190. The maximum decrease of 1.3oC over the base period was noticed in autumn season during the period of 2001-2011. In the region the period 2001-2011 experienced decrease in the rainfall during summer, spring and winter seasons, however, the maximum decrease of 115.23 mm was noticed in summer season. In wet temperate to dry temperate regions both maximum and minimum temperatures have increased and winters have become warmer. Among all fruits, apple is the main crop of the state occupying the place of pride in its economy. However, the rise in temperatures and decreased snowfall over years has adversely affected apple cultivation in the state. Earlier snowfall was a regular phenomenon in apple growing areas but since 1973-1985 (baseline) a reduction in the snow fall from 430 cm to 51.33 cm during the period of 2006-2010 was recorded. The un-conducive weather during fruit setting and development in apple has reduced the apple productivity of the region. Surprisingly, the orchards below 1500 m elevation have been rendered unproductive. In the sub- tropical climate of foothills of Himalayas the mango is an important crop and is being influenced by frequent frost events. The cold waves during winter months also found to influence the vegetable crops of the region. To adapt to changing climate farmers have shifted to cultivation of pomegranate, kiwi and off-season vegetables. In sub-tropical zone, the regular frost injury to mango plants has become common. The farmers of this zone have shifted to protected cultivation of flowers and vegetables to save their livelihoods. Therefore, accepting change and getting in tune with nature by following scientific mitigation and adaptation strategies seem to be the key to survival and prosperity of mountain farmers.