The Last Straw

“People are interested in experimenting but have little knowledge and money. Around half of the villagers gradually started to follow my practices. Of the 100–165 villagers, 50% are experimenting and trying new practices, crops, etc., and observe my cultivation. They have their limitations and due to the floods were very discouraged in their farming. Maybe in the future we will have to invest more in winter vegetables. According to my experience people only cultivate paddy. It is important to their diet. But if they cannot grow paddy, they will have to grow winter vegetables. During winter there is less rain but there is no risk of flood to do so. In summer, it is too much and in winter, too little water.”

Indian farmer, 45, Lower Laopani, Assam

“Increasing regional collaboration in scientific research and policy making has been suggested for reducing climate change impacts on water, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the Himalayan region.”

IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (Hijioka et al. 2014)

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