This study quantifies the decadal hydrometeorological variability (2016–2025) and its agronomic implications for the rainfed, high-altitude tribal agro-ecosystem of Chintapalle in the Eastern Ghats. Utilizing daily meteorological datasets—precipitation, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin)—sourced from the Agro-Meteorological Field Unit, we applied descriptive statistical models and decadal aggregation to assess temporal climatic shifts. Our temporal analysis indicates pronounced precipitation volatility driven by monsoonal anomalies. The decadal mean precipitation stabilized at approximately 1480 mm, yet exhibited severe inter-annual amplitude fluctuations of up to 570 mm. Thermally, the data confirms a distinct post-2018 warming trajectory. Specifically, Tmax recorded a significant positive anomaly of approximately 1.4°C. A concomitant escalation in Tmin indicates warming nocturnal regimes, thereby constricting the diurnal temperature range (DTR). These combined hydrometeorological perturbations fundamentally destabilize regional agricultural systems. Altered thermal and precipitation regimes directly impact critical sowing windows, disrupt soil moisture homeostasis, accelerate crop phenology, and shift pest-pathogen dynamics for key crops including rice, coffee, maize, and turmeric. To mitigate these systemic vulnerabilities, integrating climate-resilient agronomy—specifically, advanced hydro-conservation, robust crop diversification paradigms, and hyper-local meteorological agro-advisory frameworks—is imperative for sustaining the adaptive capacity of this ecologically fragile zone.
Bhargavi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.