Climate change and tourism are reshaping farming in the Himalayas

May 17, 2026 - 16:59

For generations, farmers in Bir village in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district have relied on seasonal rhythms to guide when to sow and harvest crops. Today, many residents say those patterns no longer hold.

"Earlier, the rains came at the right time. Now, when crops need sunshine, it rains instead. Summers have become hotter too," says a local farmer. The changing climate has made traditional farming unpredictable, forcing many to adapt or abandon agriculture altogether.

At the same time, tourism is reshaping the local economy. Bir is known for paragliding and its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. As tourist numbers grow, more land is being converted into guesthouses, cafes, and parking lots. Some farmers have sold their fields to developers, while others now work as guides or drivers instead of tending crops.

The shift has brought new income but also new pressures. Water shortages have worsened as hotels and homestays consume more resources. Local crops like maize and wheat are being replaced by vegetables that cater to tourist tastes. Longtime residents worry that the area is losing its agricultural identity.

Experts say the combination of erratic weather and rapid tourism growth is creating a fragile situation. Without careful planning, the very landscape that draws visitors could be damaged. Farmers caught between climate change and development face hard choices about what to grow and how to live.