Source::Rss
Mustang has not witnessed snowfall as of the mid-Winter season. Villages and settlements are seen drying up. The cliffs and ridges look dry and nude, not appealing anymore. In absence of snowfall, farmers are worrying about their crops. Their harvests are on the verge of drying up in soil, especially in the areas having no irrigation facilities. Till this time last year, snowfall was experienced several times in the Mustang but there is no indication of snowfall this time around. There is just the flow of a cold breeze.
Winter crops such as barley, wheat, onion, and potato do not show any sign of 'yielding' in absence of snowfall. The popular tourist destinations of the trans-Himalayan district which looked majestic with snow in the winter season now appear to be deserted.
Moisture is required for fruits and crops, and that is lacking due to no snowfall. The apple yields will go down because of inadequate moisture.
Nevertheless, farmers of Thasang which is a fertile land for barley are worrying about weather conditions. There is no facility for irrigation in Thasang. The Himalayan life along with crop system has also been affected in absence of snowfall and rain.
People are now experiencing warmth when it is time for the bone-chilling cold. Those descending to plain and city areas to ward off chilly days are also surprised to know that there is no snowfall in the high-altitude areas this time.
The quantity and quality of the winter crops will wane if there is no snowfall and rain in the winter. The production will drop if the moisture content necessary for the flowering of apple trees is not adequately maintained. The farmers are awaiting snowfall for the cultivation of potatoes and for already-cultivated barley and wheat to grow.
No snowfall till the onset of February could be because of climate change effects. If this trend continues to prevail, the new variant of crops would get entry in the Himalayan region. Production of indigenous crops may plummet.
Lately, the upper belt of Mustang has also witnessed the production of vegetable items such as cucumber and tomato. Not only Mustang, but no Himalayan districts and higher altitude areas of Gandaki province have also experienced snowfall in the season as of now. Even no rainfall has occurred.
The unexpected climate condition has a direct bearing on the winter crops cultivated in the high-altitude areas of Mustang, Manang, Myagdi, and Baglung. The losses and damages are incurred in the areas having no irrigation facilities in absence of snowfall and rain. There is no immediate chance for rain in the Gandaki province areas. The prevailing weather system would not bring rain despite hazy skies._Rss
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