Climate Change and Farming in Sikkim: A Study on Selected Crops

Abstract

Climate change is a global phenomenon with far-reaching implications for ecosystems and human wellbeing. It poses a particularly severe threat to agriculture, which is both highly climate-sensitive and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed and tend to disproportionately affect ecologically fragile and socio-economically vulnerable regions. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the cultivation of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), maize (Zea mays), and ginger (Zingiber officinale)—three high-value crops vital to Sikkim’s agrarian economy and identifies the adaptation strategies by farmers. Primary data were collected in 2023 from 200 farmers by using a structured schedule across lowland, mid-hill, and high-altitude agro-climatic zones. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure crop and zone representation. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for pest and disease incidence, and logistic regression to determine factors influencing adaptation behavior. The results indicate significant yield declines, increased pest and disease outbreaks, and farmers’ growing reliance on practices like water conservation, planting date adjustment, and crop diversification. Farm size, education, and access to extension services were significant predictors of adaptation. The study emphasizes the need for policies to enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable regions like Sikkim.