Transition in Traditional Cropping Pattern Led to Engagement in Alternative Economic Activity
摘要
Himalaya represents a unique blend of nature’s resource repository. Many resources in this belt have not been unveiled, valued or being efficiently used but on the other hand in-used resources are also depleting. In the hills of Indian Himalaya region, agriculture is the prime economic activity; which is being carried out by majority of inhabitants. The effects of Climate Change have been felt globally such as the instances of frequent drought, changing climatic pattern, floods etc. The bio-diversity of Himalayan region is also very sensitive to Climatic Change which results into decreasing many endemic species and depleting natural resources. Traditionally in Western and Eastern Himalaya, various mountain specific traditional crops are significantly grown, but due to climate change agricultural output has been significantly declined. To accommodate with this rising situation, people started to shift their means of livelihood and few changes in existing agricultural practice has been observed. Similarly, in Sikkim Himalaya also few changes have been observed in the agriculture sector due to direct impact of Climate Change. Transition in livelihood practices among farmers in Sikkim is witnessed with the decline of agricultural output. The inherent fragility and the emerging climate induced challenges put the people of this region under great livelihood stress.