§Climate Change and Its Impact on Farming Systems

The farming systems in the Central Himalaya primarily encompass agriculture, horticulture, and livestock rearing. Recent times have witnessed substantial transformations in these practices, marked by a noteworthy decline in the area, production, and productivity of traditional cereals. Moreover, the extinction of many crop cultivars and races, coupled with the imminent threat of others facing a similar fate, has exacerbated the situation, leading to food scarcity and malnutrition. Climate change emerges as a pivotal factor driving these transformations in the farming systems of the Central Himalayan region. Warming trends in river valleys and middle altitudes are contributing to the alarming drying of natural springs, posing a direct threat to the agricultural practices that rely on these water sources. This study, therefore, sheds light on the profound and multifaceted impact of climate change on farming systems, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges in the vulnerable Central Himalaya.