Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 5
If last year’s drought was a sign of Global Warming, this year’s incessant rainfall is a more serious indication, say Climate Change experts. Nagaland experienced one of its driest monsoons last year which literally left the state parched. The effect of weather crisis in the state was devastating, causing havoc on agriculture, livestock and human. Consequently, this year’s timely and abundant rainfall came as a respite. But the torrential rainfall has also brought negative aspects with it.
Across the state, incessant rainfall has wreaked havoc on agriculture, mainly on fruits and vegetables. Farmers from different parts of the state informed that the monsoon has damaged many crops. Except for paddy and maize, excess rainfall has stunted the growth of several varieties of crops.
A noticeable trend across the state is untimely ripening of seasonal fruits and vegetables. According to some farmers in Zunheboto area, jungle berries and fruits have ripened prematurely. The fruits are tasteless and stunted. Some farmers in Mokokchung also pointed out that cucumber ripened ahead of time this year. There are also reports that vegetables such as Brinjal, chili and bottle-gourd have been affected by excess rainfall. “The entire plant is crowded with leaves but no fruits,” a farmer said. Fruits such as kiwi, pear have been robbed off their juicy taste and peaches matured ahead of time. Kiwi farmers are afraid that excess rainfall will destroy their plantation.
This is not the first time the state is experiencing torrential monsoon. But nature is doing the talking this time. Most farmers think that “climate change is taking place.” An unusual trend has set in and farmers are assured the worse is yet to come. “Jungle berries used to ripen around the month July; this year we are eating it by May,” a farmer said. One the better side, the farmers are pleased that paddy and maize cultivation is doing well. Yet, farmers are hoping rainfall withdraws timely in order to avoid any damage. Last year, paddy suffered the worse impact of drought. The total crop area affected was 108, 966 hectares.
Climate Change leaders in Nagaland are studying climate change in Nagaland and its effects. They are of the opinion that sever drought followed by incessant rainfall is a clear sign of climate change. This year’s monsoon has caused many rivers to rise above the danger mark making fishing almost impossible. Experts say an increase in precipitation and rainfall increase of 5 to 10 percent is not normal; perhaps, a signal of the greater disasters to come.
