As of September 30, 2024, extreme weather struck on 255 of the past 274 days — affecting 3.2 million hectares of crop area across 35 states, according to NICRA assessment
SHILLONG, March 1: Extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on Indian farmers, and Meghalaya is no exception.
The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), set up by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to enhance resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change, has conducted a district-level risk and vulnerability assessment and data from it shows that every district in Meghalaya has been categorised as either “very high” or “high” risk.
Notably, Ri-Bhoi district is specifically identified as facing “high” climate risk. This categorisation is based on an analysis of factors such as rising minimum temperatures, increased drought proneness, and erratic rainfall, all of which jeopardise the predominantly rain-fed agriculture that sustains local livelihoods.
According to the NICRA assessment, as of September 30, 2024, extreme weather struck on 255 of the past 274 days — affecting 3.2 million hectares of crop area across 35 states.
While these events have put immense pressure on agriculture nationwide, Meghalaya faces unique challenges due to its pronounced climate vulnerability.
In Meghalaya, agriculture is more than an economic activity; it is a way of life. Many rural households rely on small and marginal landholdings, and the state’s farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate fluctuations.
The NICRA study, which evaluated 38 risk indicators across exposure, vulnerability, historical hazards, and future hazards, underscores that rising minimum temperatures are a critical risk factor. This is especially alarming for Meghalaya, where even a slight increase in temperature can disrupt crop cycles and diminish yields.
It also warned that without immediate intervention, the state’s farmers could face worsening crop losses and food insecurity. Efforts to improve irrigation infrastructure, introduce climate-resilient farming techniques, and expand crop insurance coverage are urgently needed. Strengthening early-warning systems and investing in sustainable agricultural practices are also vital steps to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.