International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Uttarakhand has a predominantly rural population, with agriculture serving as a key livelihood for many people. Farming is predominantly smallholder-based, rainfed, and subsistence-oriented, especially in hilly areas where landholdings are fragmented and agricultural productivity is low because of challenging terrain, limited irrigation, and poor market access. The state faces challenges including climate change, migration, small landholdings, and inadequate infrastructure, which affect agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

Climate change directly threatens agricultural productivity. Rising temperatures can diminish crop yields and affect vegetable quality and shelf-life. Unpredictable rainfall and droughts may induce water stress, whereas excessive rainfall can lead to crop diseases and post-harvest losses.

The present study aims to assess the exposure of biological systems to climate change in AEZ 14 and to examine changes in climate-related conditions and their impacts on biological systems over the past ten years. The study was carried out in the Almora and Nainital districts of AEZ 14 in Uttarakhand.

Data from the last decade in AEZ 14 revealed increased incidences of diseases and pest attacks. In Almora, 26.67% of respondents reported increased crop yield, compared with 15% in Nainital, whereas 33.33% in Almora and 54.17% in Nainital reported low yield. Additionally, 71.67% of respondents in Almora and 29.17% in Nainital reported increased wildlife attacks. The use of chemicals in crop cultivation was higher in Almora (45.33%) than in Nainital (25%). In AEZ 14, households reported substantial changes in climatic conditions over the last decade.