KOHIMA: The alarming impact of climate change in Nagaland has taken centre stage with a recent report issued by the Nagaland Disaster Statistics 2023, painting a stark reality.
The report, released on Monday, reveals a disturbing trend, indicating a staggering 200% surge in water and climate-related disaster incidents in the state between 2018 and 2021.
According to the data, the total number of reported incidents stood at 337 in 2018, which climbed to 414 in 2019, and nearly doubled to a concerning 814 in 2021.
Speaking at the one-day workshop for Five NMHS Project Villages on May 13, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Supongnukshi, shed light on the impending threats.
He stressed that climate change projections for Nagaland indicate Kohima district as the most susceptible in the agricultural sector.
“The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, especially in Kohima district, which remains the most vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on water-dependent cultivation practices, particularly wet rice cultivation,” said the CCF.
He highlighted the intricate relationship between forest wealth and sustainable farming, noting that fluctuations in groundwater levels, worsened by climate change, significantly impact agricultural practices.
Considering that 60-70% of Nagaland’s population depends on agriculture and forest resources for sustenance, the authorities are intensifying efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Shifting focus towards easing the suffering of affected communities and preserving forest cover has become paramount.
The National Disaster Statistics also highlight the agricultural devastation wrought by climate-related disasters.
In 2019-20, crop damages affected 1210.16 hectares, attributed to various calamities including flash floods, droughts, hailstorms, and erratic rainfall.
However, the situation worsened during 2021-2022, with agricultural crops spanning 104052.95 hectares suffering significant damage, primarily due to drought conditions.
Expressing concern over these findings, the report highlights the urgent need for resilient farming practices, improved irrigation systems, and sustainable water management to mitigate the adverse effects of climate fluctuations.
Such measures are crucial for safeguarding food security and livelihoods in Nagaland, particularly for vulnerable communities reliant on agriculture, the report added.
