Sagarmatha – The production of organic cereals such as wheat, barley, and buckwheat in the Sagarmatha region has declined sharply in recent years due to erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, and increasing dryness. These changes have made traditional farming more challenging, forcing many locals to abandon cultivation.

"We used to have ample production of buckwheat and uwa, but now we are leaving our arable land uncultivated," said local resident Pasang Lhamu Sherpa. "Extreme weather, lack of water, and depleting soil fertility have made it difficult to grow crops, leading to meager yields."

The decline in agricultural production has had severe consequences, particularly for women and children, who face growing nutritional deficiencies. Health workers warn that pregnant women are especially vulnerable due to the lack of nutritious food, which could also affect newborns. "Dwindling farm yields have increased dependency on imported food, which is often of subpar quality and affects health," said local health worker Ngimdoma Sherpa.

Tenjing Jangbu Sherpa from Chhukum in the Khumbu region lamented the drastic decline in crop yields, particularly Himalayan buckwheat. "Climate change is to blame," he said. "If farming no longer gives any yield, why should we continue doing it?"

Climate change has not only impacted agriculture but also contributed to environmental degradation in the region. Reports indicate that snowmelt in the upper hills and mountain areas is accelerating, further threatening human life and agriculture.

Additionally, pollution caused by climbers has worsened the situation, with non-biodegradable waste, such as plastics, littering the gateway to Mount Everest. Hotel entrepreneur Pasang Sherpa stressed the need for better waste management to protect the region’s scenic beauty and preserve its tourism appeal.

"Once snow-clad and shining, the mountains are now turning bare," lamented Lukla resident Toya Kumar Shrestha. With pollution and rising temperatures exacerbating the crisis, locals fear that their way of life is at serious risk.