Project Overview
Climate change poses serious threats to both rural and urban livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh, with critical implications for water resources, ecosystem services, and agricultural communities that are vital for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
While the State is advancing rapidly towards high economic growth, it remains committed to environmental sustainability and addressing climate-related challenges. To support such efforts, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, through the National Adaptation Fund, provides assistance to vulnerable states and Union Territories.
Under this initiative, Himachal Pradesh has received support to strengthen adaptive capacities and safeguard livelihood opportunities. In particular, Sirmour district, which has the second-highest rural population growth, has experienced recurring droughts, moisture stress, and water scarcity over recent decades, leaving most of its tehsils highly vulnerable.
To address these challenges, a long-term programme combining Climate Smart farming technologies with social engineering interventions was implemented, focusing on capacity building, food security, and livelihood sustainability. The initiative particularly targeted small and marginal farmers, including rural women, with the objective of reducing climate vulnerability and enhancing resilience.
