India, March 24 -- Warmer winters and erratic rainfall are disrupting farming cycles across Uttarakhand's hill districts

Farmers report sharp declines in wheat and vegetable yields, with some harvests nearly wiped out

Scientists say temperatures in higher altitudes were up to 4-5degC above normal this winter

Rising heat is also linked to forest fires, water shortages and increased physical strain on rural households

Experts warn that both climate change and local factors are reshaping life in the Himalayas

In the Himalayan village of Naurakh in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the winter harvest has all but failed.

"Usually our fields produce around 50 kilos of wheat every year, but this year it will be difficult to get even 5-10 kil...