Climate change: Impact on food security, nutrition to women in Sagarmatha region

Solukhumbu, March 8: The cereals like wheat, barley and buckwheat produced in an organic way in the Sagarmatha region have witnessed a decline in recent years. The erratic weather pattern, rising temperature and dryness have badly impacted the normal cultivation and production in the Himalayan region.

A local Pasang Lhamu Sherpa said, "We used to have ample production of buckwheat and Uwa. Now, we're forced to leave the arable land uncultivated. Extreme weather patterns, lack of water/rain, and depleting soil fertility have made it difficult to grow crops. The yield is meagre these days."

The locals in the Sagarmatha region complained that they were suffering from the direct impact of climate change. The women and children in particular are facing nutrition problems due to low production.     

The pregnant are at the receiving end of the lack of nutritious food, according to health workers.

A local health worker Ngimdoma Sherpa said not only the pregnant women but also the newborn will see health issues if the pregnant women are not ensured nutritious food. The dwindling agricultural production owing to climate change has led to dependency, she added. 

The imported food items are subpar in quality, denting health.

Tenjing Jangbu Sherpa from Chhukum of Khumbu region said the crop yields have declined radically of late. "I know very well that special species of Himalayan buckwheat were cultivated here, which has now declined sharply," he said, blaming climate change.

"As farming gives no yield, why to be involved in it?" He wondered. 

Several national and international documents and reports on climate change have mentioned that the upper hilly and mountain areas were seeing snowmelt at an accelerated rate, which has caused an adverse impact on human life and agriculture.

Adding woes, the trash left by the climbers in the region has polluted the gateway to the world's highest peak. The non-biodegradable items like plastics have littered the area.

Once the use of plastics is not discouraged and trash left scattered, it hampers the scenic beauty of the region. The touristy place requires a clean environment, according to hotel entrepreneur Pasang Sherpa. 

A local from Lukla, Toya Kumar Shrestha, regretted, "Once snow-clad and shining mountains are getting bare." 

The pollution and rising temperature have further causes for concern. (RSS)