Crop loss hits farmers as erratic weather sweeps Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 28 2024: Ahead of this year's monsoon, Asung Shimray poured his heart into his farm, planting and nurturing rows of vibrant vegetable plants, including indigenous cabbages, plump brinjals, and chilli varieties like Hao Hathei.

Each day reflected his commitment, as he tended to his crops with the anticipation of a bountiful harvest.

For the 38-year-old farmer from Ringui village, living on his farmland made the labour of planting and caring for his vegetables even more fulfilling.

His dedication fuelled a deep sense of optimism, a belief that his hard work would soon yield fruitful results.

However, nature had a different agenda.

When the monsoon finally arrived, unpredictable weather patterns shattered Shimray's dreams.

Heavy rains and violent storms battered his cherished vegetable plants, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The hope that once filled his heart quickly transformed into despair as he faced the grim reality of a setback that spoiled his harvest, threatening his livelihood.

"The weather has been unpredictable, rendering us hapless," Shimray shared with The People's Chronicle, relating his hands-on experience of the devastating impact of this year 's monsoon.

"One moment we have heavy rains, and the next, it's scorching hot.

I think this is not good for the crops".

Shimray described impacts heavy rains had on his crops, explaining how the relentless downpours battered them and forced many to the ground.

"Most of the standing vegetable crops like cabbage, brinjal, and chillies in my farm were devastated by heavy rains," he lamented.

According to Shimray, the situation is further compounded by rising temperatures, which not only stress the plants but also heighten the risk of pests and diseases.

He pointed out that intense heat is believed to be brought on by the same erratic weather patterns and that caused the leaves of his plants to wither one after another.

He mentioned that he normally cultivates Kampha Hathei chili, commonly known as Sirarakhong Hathei in his farm, stating he had hopes for a bountiful harvest as usual.

Unfortunately, the crop has failed and he could gather not more than two tins - a traditional measurement - which is a fraction of what he usually gathers.

Shimray observed that the Hathei plants began to exhibit troubling symptoms, including black spots on their branches, which he likened to an infection.

"Perhaps the shifting weather conditions made these plants prone to infections and ultimately die.

We suspect certain infection for this, though we have not been able to spot any pests or worms with our naked eye," he remarked.

Shimray's experience is mirrored by other local farmers.

A Rathin-gla, a 60-year-old female farmer from Phalee village, echoed similar frustrations, stating that this year's monsoon has produced the worst conditions she has ever faced.

She said that heavy rainfalls have caused extensive damage to her crops, including Ringronthei (beans), cucumber, pumpkin and Umorok (King chilli).

The plants thrived initially but soon began to rot and ultimately died, leaving the cause unknown.

"I could not gather a decent harvest; all my hard work has gone to waste," she lamented, echoing the feelings of many in the community.

In Ukhrul district, monsoon season usually stretches from June till September.

With unexpected rains continuing, many farmers are still facing an uphill battle, trying to salvage what remains of their crops.

R Shomila, who owns a backyard garden in Ukhrul town, expressed her worries about her own crops which had faced the nature's wraths.

"Unpredictable rains during this year's monsoon have spelled disaster for my crops like corn, pumpkin and cucumber.

My chayote plant also failed to bear fruits," she lamented.

Sharing a similar experience, another town resident, M.Awon, lamented that one of her chayote plants had withered and died.

"I had two squash plants, but now one is gone.

I do not know if this was due to the heavy rains or the intense heat, but the plant that had borne big, healthy chayote crops in the past few years dried up from the root," she explained.

Awon also noted that the other chayote plant she has in her garden failed to produce much fruits in the current season, compared to previous years, expressing her frustrations.

H Angam, another farmer from Paorei village, highlighted another aspect of the monsoon's impact, stating that the timing of the rains is crucial.

"Although any heavy rainfall is bad for most standing crops, the worst are the rains that occur at night-time," he explained.

He said that night rains can cause extensive damage to crops, unlike rains during the daytime.

Another nuance of the monsoon's impact is the alarming trend of increasingly scattered rainfall patterns in recent years.

"Some areas witness heavy downpours, while others remain dry," Shomila explained, adding that the disparity in rainfall can complicate crop growth and threaten the livelihoods of many farmers who rely on consistent weather patterns.

"This could be a tough proposition, leading to significant challenges for farmers and their agricultural practices," she added and explained that the timing and intensity of rainfall can vary dramatically from one part of the district to another.

This year's monsoon season, marked by erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, raises critical questions about the impact of monsoon vagaries in traditionally cooler regions like Ukhrul district.

The struggles of farmers in the region point to the urgency of addressing agricultural challenges exacerbated by unpredictable weather conditions.

It may be mentioned here that August 2023 and August 2024 are now recorded as the hottest months globally during the last 175 years! This intensity in temperature rise (where various locations in Manipur recorded maximum of 35 to 42.16 degree Celsius) is likely having adverse impacts on the agricultural crops unlike before.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative for the government agencies and stakeholders to collaborate and develop sustainable farming practices.

Initiatives aimed at educating farmers about climate-resilient crops and adaptive farming techniques could provide much-needed support in navigating these unprecedented climate challenges.

A lesson needs to be learnt from the harsh realities of this year's monsoon.

Unless effective solutions to these emerging realities are found, the future of agriculture in the district remains uncertain.

(This report has been written under the Joint Initiative of Media Resource Centre, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change and Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association) .

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