Abstract ID: 3.10835 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Hindu Kush Himalayan region (HKH) which is home to 230 million people, providing water to one fourths world population is facing increasing water crisis due to climate change such as reduced snowfall, erratic rainfall, and glacial retreat. These activities threaten rain-fed agriculture, which covers 80% of global arable land. This study synthesizes data and findings from different studies conducted by the ICIMOD in HKH regions to evaluate climate-resilient agricultural technologies that combat water crises. The key solutions are biological mulches, soil cement tanks, drought-resistant crops (e.g., Millets), renewable energy-linked systems, and rainwater harvesting. The research showed that, the soil cement tanks is sustainable and inclusive solution for storing rain and snow melt water for irrigation during the dry season. Biological mulches (straw, compost) reduced evaporation by 35%, moderated soil temperature, and increased microbial activity. Drought-resistant crops such as millet’s, and other indigenous crops increased food security despite erratic rainfall and droughts. Although these solutions are effective but faces implementation challenges. Such as soil cement tanks are durable and gender-neutral (saving women’s labor) but high upfront costs (~USD 160) which limits its scalability. Bio-mulches having different decomposition rates, can result in nitrogen immobilization. Additionally, socioeconomic inequality limits technology adoption, with affluent households being more likely to take up adaptations. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated approach from government and community. Policy should be focused on implementing Integrated Water Resource management (IWRM) frameworks, encouraging climate resilient technology though targeted incentives, and facilitate public–private partnerships for innovation and infrastructure development. Building communities capacity along with digital monitoring systems for real-time resource management is also crucial. Future research should explore integrating these technologies with other relevant climate-resilient technologies and adapting them to specific mountain ecosystems. A multi-faceted approach combining water storage, agro-ecological management, and policy intervention can mitigate mountain water crises.