Impacts of Climate Change on Agro-biodiversity in Hamirpur Region of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

A survey was conducted to record perceptions of three hundred farmers towards the impact of climate change on agro-biodiversity of Hamirpur region in Himachal Pradesh, India. Stratified data was collected through personal interviews and PRA technique with both structured and unstructured schedule. The statistical analysis of data indicates that every farmer has unanimously reported irregular and decreased rainfall along with rise in mean temperature in the study area. Forty two per cent farmers reported increase in temperature in winter season than summer season. A little less than three-fourth (73%) farmers reported delayed monsoon. All the farmers (100%) admitted that major crop production had declined in the study area. Major climatic impacts on agro-biodiversity were change in sowing time (43%), change in harvesting time (38%), decline in Beas river water level (55%), decline in milk production (38%) and migration of people (63%). Seventy nine per cent farmers had reported low frequency of storm and 83 per cent reported increased frequency and intensity of hot wave. Yellow rust and black bunt diseases in wheat, yellowing of leaves and aphids infestation of mustard plant, sweet, fruit fly attack in cucurbit etc. were reported in high magnitude.