Effect of climate change in Meghalaya as perceived by the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Meghalaya, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the adverse effect of climate change as perceived by the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Megahlaya. Data were collected from 25 scientists by questionnaire method in the month of October,2012 to January,2013. For this purpose five important components viz. Environment, Hill agriculture and allied, Human and animal health, Forest and wildlife and Hydrology and water resources were identified and presented to the scientists in pairs, in 10 possible combinations, and the scientists were requested to select one component from each pair separately which would be more adversely affected, than the other component due to climate change. For analysis of data the method of Paired Comparisons was followed.It was found that due to climate change Hill agriculture and allied may be severely damaged with highest scale value of 1.513 followed by hydrology and water resources(0.629),environment(0.418),forest and wildlife(0.029) and least affected component is Human and animal health(0.00).The findings revealed that Hill agriculture will be most adversely affected due to climate change in Meghalaya.One of the main reason is practising of jhum cultivation. Therefore,the scientists and the government of Meghalaya may adopt some necessary steps for controlling jhum cultivation