Agriculture based on climate and adaptation in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The preparation of a Climate Change Adaptation Focused Sustainable Water Resources Strategy was requested by the De-
partment of Economic Affairs and the State Government of Himachal Pradesh. The study was funded under ADB’s Water
Financing Program through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund under the Water Financing Partnership Facility. The study was
carried out in Himachal Pradesh during late 2009 and early 2010, and involved extensive discussions and consultations with
the various water-related departments and agencies, as well as field visits and meetings with communities and stakeholders.
The draft final report proposals were discussed with the key water resources departments and agencies at a workshop held on
26 February 2010 under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Comments and
recommendations received at the workshop and subsequently are incorporated into this final report. Support studies were
provided by the CSK, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University of Palampur.
The broad objective of the study is to develop a climate change adaptation-focused sustainable water resources strategy
and appropriate institutional framework for Himachal Pradesh. Adaptation in this context is an ongoing and flexible pro-
cess designed to reduce the exposure of society to risks arising from climate variability. The strategy identifies and presents
a broad framework for integrated water resources planning and management to increase the level of resilience to climate
change. It is based on an assessment of the status of water resources in the state, including the present and planned water
utilization examined within a framework of environment, conservation and sustainability. The strategy also examines the
present institutional arrangements for water resources management and assesses the requirements for institutional develop-
ment, strengthening and necessary reform measures to support the development of robust and sustainable water resources
management.
Although the understanding of the impact of climate change continues to improve, it is as yet difficult to project and
identify the specific regional impacts with any precision. This uncertainty remains a key constraint and major challenge,
both, in formulating and implementing policies related to adaptation. Climate change represents a loss of information; the
value of historical data in guiding water resources decision-making is degraded and future conditions are subject to a high
level of uncertainty. With the very high variations of topography and rainfall, prediction of future climate trends will be
especially difficult for Himachal Pradesh. It is evident that farmers are already feeling impacts of climate change. Observed
parameters include movement of apple orchards to higher altitudes, loss of various tree species, drying of traditional water
sources, changes in bird types and populations, reduction in crop yields, and increased vulnerability of winter cropping due
to changes in rainfall patterns and planting dates.
The mountain ecosystems harbour a wide range of natural resources and are particularly sensitive to change. Re-
gional changes in climate have already affected many of the physical and biological systems in the mountains. Analysis of
temperature trends in the Himalayas and vicinities shows that temperature increases are greater in the uplands than the
lowlands. Climate change impacts on water resources will likely include; (i) increased frequency of heavy precipita-tion;
(ii) increase in extreme rainfall intensity; (iii) increased variability in rainfall patterns; (iv) increased likelihood of water
shortages/drought (v) reduced levels of precipitation as snow; (vi) loss of glacier volumes; (vii) earlier snow melt; and
(viii) increased temperature.
A seven point strategic framework for water resources adaptation has been developed. It sets out the approach and
strategies required for achieving long term sustainable water resources management and adaptation to climate change. It
is proposed to apply IWRM as a management tool since it would open up important opportunities to position water, as a
resource at the centre of the policy making arena an important facility to initiate proactive actions to increase the resilience
of water resource systems to climate change. The strategic framework has been designed to build on the recommendations of
the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC). The three most relevant parts of the NAPCC from the perspective
of this study are; the National Missions for Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, and for Sustainable Agriculture. The
strategy also builds on the recommendations of the recent conclave of the five Indian Himalayan states.
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