Kerala   

Weather change fuels agrarian crisis

KOCHI: A study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation on the agrarian crisis in Idukki has dwelt upon the changing rainfall pattern and weather in the district.

The changes have an impact on the important crops cultivated there, according to the study.

Weather data for over three decades were accessed from Kannan Devan Plantations in Munnar, Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Mayiladumpara, Kerala State Electricity Board, Idukki, and State Agricultural Farm, Arikkuzha. The data revealed steep downward trend in the total rainfall.

The total number of rainy days (TRD) was found shifting over the years. While TRD increased at Pampadumpara and Vandiperiyar during the north-east monsoon, it decreased in Myladumpara during the south-west monsoon.

The temperature data showed that the maximum and minimum temperatures were changing. There was a rise in maximum temperature while a fall was noticed in the minimum temperature. Pampadumpara recorded an increase of more than 2 degree centigrade during the 29-year-period under study. The rate of decrease in minimum temperature was slightly lower.

The declining rainfall, particularly during the south-west monsoon, and the increasing temperature are bound to have very serious impact on agriculture and its sustainability in the district.

It is already being manifested in the declining water table, increasing shortage of water during summer and frequent incidence of drought like situations.

The loss of natural forests and the depletion of Cardamom Hill Reserve forests are substantially contributing to the weather changes. The natural fertility and productivity of the region is declining while soil erosion has increased to an unprecedented magnitude, environmental pollution is on the rise, and the incidence of pests and diseases are increasing. The loss of flora and fauna are happening silently and continuously.

The spread of eucalyptus cultivation is extracting the last drop of water from the soil column. The snowballing ecological destruction and weather change being witnessed have potential to threaten depletion and eventual death of the river Periyar, according to the report.

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