Dimapur: Farmers in eastern Nagaland are reporting visible impacts of climate change on their crops, according to findings from an ongoing research project funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC).The observations were made during a field visit to Noksen, Logsing, and Moalenden areas in Tuensang district on Feb 21 by principal investigator Ashutosh Tripathi and co-principal investigator Ashutosh Tripathi of the department of environmental science, Nagaland University, the university said in a release on Tuesday. The team was assisted by Nohochem Sangtam of Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.During interactions with farming communities, villagers reported erratic rainfall, delayed monsoons, rising temperatures, and sudden heavy showers — all of which have disrupted traditional cropping patterns. Cultivation of paddy, sugarcane, orange, chilli, and vegetables has been particularly affected. Farmers noted declining yields, increased pest incidence, and adverse impacts on jhum cultivation and soil fertility cycles due to shifting rainfall patterns.The NEC-supported project, titled “Evaluation of Climate Change Perception, Knowledge and Responses in Tribal Communities of Nagaland, NE India,” aims to document grassroots experiences and recommend region-specific adaptation strategies.Researchers observed that while farmers are coping by adjusting sowing dates and diversifying crops, there remains a pressing need for stronger institutional and technical support to enhance climate resilience in the region.
