Climate Change Threatens Indigenous Farming Practices in Northeast India
Climate Change Threatens Indigenous Farming Practices in Northeast India
IN · Published Sep 2, 2026
Indigenous farming practices in Northeast India, developed by over 130 tribal communities, are facing significant disruptions due to climate change.
These traditional methods, such as the Apatani rice-fish culture in Arunachal Pradesh and bamboo drip irrigation in Meghalaya, are tailored to fragile mountain ecosystems.

Impact & Risks

The disruptions caused by climate change are leading to reduced agricultural productivity and income losses for tribal communities in Northeast India. Monsoon deficits and compressed rainfall periods are exacerbating soil erosion and land degradation, particularly in shifting cultivation zones. Traditional crops are also under threat from new fungal pests and moisture stress, forcing communities to adapt their farming methods. These changes not only jeopardise food security but also risk the loss of invaluable indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained these communities for generations.

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