Grain crops such as wheat, barley and sorghum, which are traditionally grown in the Everest region, are no longer being produced as before. Local farmers say that farming has been affected due to irregular weather, effects of temperature increase, unseasonal rains and dry weather.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a local woman, says, "Earlier, lice and sorghum grew abundantly here, now the arable land has to be left barren." It is becoming difficult to grow crops due to lack of water, decreasing soil fertility and extreme weather changes. Even when farming, it does not grow much like before. That's why we stopped farming.
The local residents of the Everest region are being directly affected by the effects of climate change. Especially the women and children here are struggling with the problem of lack of nutrition. The decline in agricultural production due to climate change has affected the citizens of the Khumbu region. Even more, the health of women in this area is adversely affected. Local health workers say that there is a risk of weakening the health of pregnant women due to lack of nutrition.
The lack of a balanced diet may adversely affect the health of newborns, said Nigdoma Sherpa, a local health worker. According to him, the local production is decreasing, the old farming systems are failing due to climate change and the dependence on imported food is increasing, the women here are facing more problems.
The report released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) some time ago before the COP conference held in Azerbaijan, states that the snow is melting at a rapid rate in the Himalayan region. The rate of temperature increase in the Himalayan region is higher than elsewhere, due to which the speed of snow melting has accelerated.
According to Tenzing Zangbu Sherpa of Chukum, Khumbu, there is a huge decline in the cultivation of crops in the Himalayan region. He said, "As far as I know, there were a lot of crops of Lekali varieties around here, but now, all the lands are barren. After the cultivation has stopped, why bother to plant them? Those who know say that this is the effect of climate change, but it has caused us a lot of problems."
The garbage left by Everest climbers at the base camp has also had an impact. Experts argue that plastic, food packets, and other non-organic garbage have increased the effect of sunlight on glaciers.
Along with the booming tourism business in the Everest region, the environment has been adversely affected. According to Pasang Sherpa, a tourism businessman, no matter how strict the municipality and the Nepalese government are, the climbers leave their belongings here, even if to a certain extent, which is causing environmental imbalance. Toyakumar Shrestha, a local resident of Lukla, says, 'The mountains that always shine like silver are now turning into black mountains. The Himalayan region has become more vulnerable due to the garbage left by climbers, industrial dust and global temperature rise.' The local Amrit Magar said that the lands are becoming dry due to lack of snowfall in the summer season and winter in the cold season. He said that the supply of agricultural crops and nutrients has been affected.
Due to climate change, there is a possibility of long-term effects on the health of women in the high Himalayas. According to environmentalist Dr. Rajan Thapa, industries run by powerful nations and global temperature rise are having a direct impact on the Himalayan region of Nepal. Local residents say that the source of water in the Himalayan region has dried up, the snow is melting and the weather cycle is disturbed.
Women are becoming victims of food crisis, which weakens their economic and social conditions. Prajita Karki, president and campaigner of the foundation, also says that collective efforts are needed to prevent the effects of climate change. A special health service program should be conducted targeting the women of the Himalayan region. Long-term plans are needed to reduce environmental imbalance, says Karki.
Local level officials and international organizations have pointed out the need to bring special plans to mitigate climate change. Experts argue that traditional crops should be protected and agricultural systems adapted to climate change should be developed. According to them, a long-term strategy is needed to minimize the effects of climate change. Agricultural expert Chandraman Shrestha said that there is a need to teach small farmers climate-friendly farming systems, find alternative methods for irrigation and promote organic agriculture.
"Climate change is the main reason for the decline in agricultural production in the Himalayan region, but it is a matter of concern to leave the fields barren because there is no cultivation. Other methods can be adopted. Another thing is that if Raithane is not cultivated, other developed species can also be planted," said Shrestha, an agricultural expert. Local residents are adopting various measures to adapt to climate change.
Tunnel farming, use of organic fertilizers and agricultural techniques based on traditional knowledge have started to be used. However, experts say that these measures may not be enough in the long run and more governmental and non-governmental support is needed. Due to the decline in agricultural production, food insecurity, lack of nutrition and the long-term effects of climate change, their health crisis is deepening. Experts say that it is necessary for local and international bodies to come together to find solutions.
