People’s representatives concerned over climate change and its effects on agriculture

Published On: March 12, 2022 09:45 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

MYAGDI, March 11: People's representatives of Myagdi have expressed concern over unseasonal rainfall and sudden rise in hot and cold waves.

Stating that agro produce has decreased due to several climatic reasons including extreme rainfall and spell of drought, they stressed on adopting alternative methods in agriculture production and livestock management.

Chief of the District Coordination Committee Myagdi, Devendra KC called for the United Nations World Food Programme and National Planning Commission to introduce planning measures to ease the livelihood of the people.

He further noted that climate change had already impacted food security and if technological measures were not introduced on time for adaptive food and livestock it would create havoc on food security, pushing millions of people towards starvation.

It may be noted that the National Planning Commission in collaboration with the World Food Programme is commissioning a study on climate change impacts in various local levels in Myagdi district.

Chairperson of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, Thamsara Pun said farmers are bearing the brunt of changed farming timing, drought, hailstorm and wildlife rampage. Likewise, Chairperson of Raghuganga Rural Municipality Bhakta Bahadur Bhandari said the crops of indigenous species are on verge of disappearance with increasing tendency of depending on imported items and keeping the fertile agro land uncultivated.

NPC Director Mahesh Kharel said the study has been initiated as per the policy of exploring alternative production and spurring investment in adaptive production.

The study undertaken in Karnali and Sudurpaschim revealed that challenges have increased on food security due to climate change. Considering this finding, the study has been mooted in Gandaki and Bagmati Provinces this time, Kharel added.

The Gandaki Province in partnership with NPC, WFP and local levels has increased investment in the district on agriculture and livestock.

Food security expert Bishnu Acharya said the target was to lay emphasis on the production of paddy, wheat, maize and millet, milk and meat as part of food for livelihood initiative.

He further shared that a study is being commissioned to reduce negative effects of climate change in agriculture and livestock.