Today, climate change has affected the entire segments of the economy, including agriculture. It is increasingly vulnerable to the aftereffects of climate change, which include changing rainfall patterns. Also, all this affects the traditional farming practices and threatens food security.
Effects of climate change on agriculture
- Rising Temperatures and Declining Yields: Studies suggest that for every 1°C rise in temperature, wheat yields could decline by 4-5%, while rice and maize could suffer similar losses. Also, according to the World Economic Forum (2024), India’s economy could suffer a 16% drop in agricultural output by 2030, which would translate to a 2.8% GDP loss.
- Erratic Rainfall Patterns: The Indian monsoon (which accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s annual rainfall) has become increasingly unpredictable. So, late or inadequate monsoons result in late sowing, affecting crop cycles and yields. Also, waterlogging, damaging crops like paddy and sugarcane, is there due by excessive rainfall.
- Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events: More frequent droughts are reducing water availability for irrigation. For eg-Cyclones in coastal states damage crops and destroy supply chains. Also, Hailstorms and unseasonal rains destroy standing crop,s making huge losses.
- Soil Degradation and Loss of Fertility: Increased soil erosion due to heavy rains and flooding. Soil nutrient depletion is directly proportional to higher temperature. Also, the higher the soil salinity in the coastal areas, the lower the soil quality of that soil.
- Water Scarcity and Irrigation Challenges: Over 50% of India’s agriculture depends on monsoons, making it highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall. For example, groundwater depletion in regions such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan poses a risk to irrigation. Simultaneously, significant groundwater loss is seen, particularly in areas like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Pest and Disease Outbreaks: Rising temperatures create a favorable environment for pests like the fall armyworm and locusts, which destroy crops. For eg, wheat, rice, and vegetables get destroyed due to increased humidity.
Government Response and Policy Measures
- A nationwide project for sustainable agriculture is part of the nationwide Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which aims to promote climate-resilient farming methods.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on improving water efficiency in irrigation.
- Soil Health Card Scheme: Helps farmers monitor soil nutrients and improve fertility.
- Crop Insurance Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides financial protection against crop losses.
- Promotion of Climate-Resilient Crops: Research institutions are developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE): It focuses on disseminating knowledge, improving farm practices, and promoting sustainability.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It emphasizes climate-resilient farming practices, addressing the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Supports climate-resilient infrastructure and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic farming as a sustainable adaptation strategy to climate variability.
- Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Systems: The IMD has enhanced its forecasting capabilities to provide accurate and timely weather updates, helping farmers plan better.
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Measures to be adopted for agriculture
Climate-Smart Crop Varieties: Development of drought-resistant, flood-resistant, and heat-tolerant crop varieties by institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
(a) Promotion of traditional and indigenous crop varieties that are naturally resilient.
Sustainable Water Management: Adoption of micro-irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation to improve water use efficiency.
(a) Watershed management and rainwater harvesting to mitigate water stress in dry regions.
(b) Promotion of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to reduce water consumption in paddy cultivation.
Agroforestry and Soil Conservation: Encouraging agroforestry models to enhance carbon sequestration and soil fertility.
(a) Zero-tillage farming and cover cropping to maintain soil health and prevent erosion.
(b) Use of organic fertilizers and biochar to enhance soil resilience.
Digital and Technological Interventions: Use of AI-based weather forecasting and mobile advisory services to help farmers prepare for adverse weather conditions.
(a) Precision farming using drones and sensors to optimize resource use.
(b) E-marketing platforms like eNAM to provide better price realization and reduce climate-induced income shocks.
Livelihood Diversification & Crop Insurance: Promoting integrated farming systems (livestock, fisheries, and horticulture) to reduce sole dependency on crops.
Policy Support: Government initiatives like the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) focus on research, capacity building, and technology dissemination to address climate challenges.
Case Studies
- NICRA Villages: More than 446 villages have learnt climate-proofing techniques, which shows its effectiveness of integrated approaches.
- Climate-Smart Farming: Initiatives by organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund have promoted low-carbon farming practices. Also, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing productivity.
Conclusion
A variety of measures need to be implemented to protect the incomes of countless farmers and secure the food supply as well. So, a few steps in the form of adoption of climate-resilient practices, improvement in water management, and patronage to farmers through policy interventions, ultimately reduce the impact of climate change on its agricultural sector.