Biotic (i.e., weeds, insects, fungi, bacteria, etc.) and abiotic factors (i.e., sunlight, temperature, rain, humidity, drought, salinity, air, soil, pollution, magnetic fields, etc.) can affect plant growth and crop yield in many different ways. Under abiotic stress conditions, plant growth performance is severely compromised mainly because of impaired physiological and biochemical processes, causing imbalance in nutrient uptake, disturbance in photosynthesis and respiration, dysfunction of cellular organelles and incompatibility in stress adaptation. Abiotic stress reduces water availability to plant roots by increasing water soluble salts in soil and plants suffer from increased osmotic pressure outside the root. Abiotic stress reduces water availability to plant roots by increasing water soluble salts in soil and plants suffer from increased osmotic pressure outside the root. Abiotic variables are natural elements that reduce agricultural productivity and quality. Flooding can lead to soil erosion, a decrease in oxygen supply and an increase in disease risk.

Barley and sunflower are perhaps the most salt-tolerant cereal and exhibits a high level of high resistance to abiotic stress. In more rainfall paddy is the best crops. Cereals, especially sorghum and millets are major food crops grown in arid and semiarid regions of the world where drought stress is prevalent. Gene and genetic engineering for improvement of crop plants against abiotic stresses are lying unorganized. genetic engineering advancements in imparting biotic and abiotic stress tolerance as well as on improving various traits related to quality, texture, plant architecture modification, increasing shelf-life, etc. in different horticultural crops.

Alternative crops can play a significant role in augmenting farmers' income in abiotic stress regions while also addressing the challenges posed by environmental stresses on crop quality. Here's how:

1. Diversification with stress-tolerant crops:

Alternative crops naturally adapted to abiotic stresses can provide farmers with viable cultivation options in challenging environments. For example, grain amaranth, buckwheat, and other underutilized crops are being researched and promoted as alternatives that can thrive in stress-prone areas[1]. These crops often have a higher tolerance to drought, heat, salinity, and other abiotic stresses, allowing farmers to maintain productivity even under adverse conditions.

2. Increased resilience and risk mitigation:

By incorporating alternative crops into their farming systems, farmers can reduce their dependence on a single crop and spread the risk associated with crop failure due to abiotic stresses. This diversification strategy can help stabilize income and improve overall farm resilience[1][2].

3. Nutritional and economic benefits:

Many alternative crops are rich in nutrients and have potential health benefits. This nutritional value can translate into higher market demand and potentially better prices for farmers. Additionally, some of these crops may have unique properties that make them suitable for various industrial applications, opening up new market opportunities[1].

4. Adaptation to changing climate:

As climate change intensifies, traditional crops may become less suitable for certain regions. Alternative crops better adapted to changing environmental conditions can help farmers maintain productivity and income in the face of increasing abiotic stresses[2].

5. Sustainable resource use:

Some alternative crops require fewer inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides) than conventional crops. This can lead to reduced production costs and more sustainable resource use, particularly in water-scarce regions[3].

6. Research and development focus:

Institutions like the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management actively research and promote alternative crops for abiotic stress regions. This research focus can lead to the development of improved varieties and cultivation practices tailored explicitly for stress-prone areas[1][3][4].

Impact of abiotic environmental stresses on crop quality:

Abiotic stresses can significantly affect crop quality in several ways:

1. Reduced yield and biomass:

Stress conditions like drought, heat, and salinity can lead to reduced plant growth, smaller fruits or grains, and lower yields, directly impacting the quantity of marketable produce[1].

2. Altered nutritional composition:

Abiotic stresses can affect the nutrient uptake and metabolism in plants, potentially leading to changes in the nutritional composition of the harvested crop. This can impact both the nutritional value for consumers and the market value of the produce.

3. Changes in appearance and texture:

Environmental stresses can cause visible defects in crops, such as misshapen fruits, discoloration, or reduced size. These changes can affect the marketability and consumer acceptance of the produce.

4. Reduced shelf life:

Crops grown under stress conditions may have compromised post-harvest quality, leading to shorter shelf life and increased susceptibility to spoilage during storage and transportation.

5. Altered flavor and aroma:

Abiotic stresses can influence the production of secondary metabolites in plants, which can affect the flavor, aroma, and overall sensory qualities of the crop.

By promoting alternative crops that are better adapted to abiotic stresses, farmers can mitigate some of these quality issues while diversifying their income sources. This approach aligns with the broader goal of sustainable agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods in challenging environments[5].

Citations:

[1] https://niasm.icar.gov.in/sites/default/files/pdfs/Technical%20bulletin%20alternative%20crops.pdf

[2] https://niasm.icar.gov.in/sites/default/files/pdfs/Webinar_brochure_29.07.2020.pdf

[3] http://niam.res.in/flagship-projects

[4] https://twitter.com/ICAR_NIASM/status/1488747240923426819

[5] https://icar.org.in/sites/default/files/2022-06/Doubling-of-Farmers-Income-updated-092020-min.pdf

Respected Sir,

Alternative crops can augment farmers’ income in abiotic stress regions by offering resilience to extreme conditions such as drought, salinity, and high temperatures. Crops like millets, sorghum, and quinoa are more tolerant to these stresses, requiring less water and inputs, thus reducing costs and risks for farmers. However, abiotic environmental stresses can negatively impact crop quality by affecting nutrient composition, taste, and overall yield. Despite this, selecting stress-tolerant varieties and implementing appropriate management practices can mitigate these effects and improve both productivity and quality.

Dr Prem Baboo, Dr Md Shamsuzzaman and Dr Himanshu Tiwari thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Alternative crops for augmenting farmers' income in abiotic stress regions include drought-tolerant varieties like sorghum, millet, and quinoa, as well as stress-resistant legumes such as chickpeas and pigeon peas. These crops can thrive in challenging conditions, providing a reliable income source. High-value crops like medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, and certain fruits adapted to local conditions can fetch premium prices. Abiotic stresses significantly impact crop quality, often reducing yield, nutritional content, and physical appearance. For instance, drought stress can lead to smaller fruits, while heat stress may cause premature ripening and reduced flavor. Salinity stress can affect nutrient uptake, resulting in lower nutritional value. To mitigate these effects, farmers can implement techniques like mulching, precision irrigation, and stress-tolerant cultivars, which can help maintain crop quality and marketability despite environmental challenges.