Rk Naresh Indian agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change due to its heavy dependence on monsoon rains and the prevalence of smallholder farms that are less resilient to environmental stress. Climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods and droughts, pose significant risks to crop yields, soil health, and water availability. These changes can lead to decreased agricultural productivity, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and exacerbating food security issues in a country where agriculture is a critical component of the economy and sustenance for a large portion of the population.

To mitigate the impact of climate change on its agriculture, India needs to adopt a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. Firstly, investing in climate-resilient crop varieties that are tolerant to drought, heat, and salinity is essential. This requires robust research and development efforts in agricultural science, supported by both public and private sectors. Secondly, enhancing water management practices through efficient irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems can conserve water and improve crop productivity. Rainwater harvesting and the restoration of traditional water bodies can also help manage water resources more effectively.

Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture can improve soil health and increase resilience to climate shocks. Integrating modern technology, like precision farming and weather forecasting systems, can aid farmers in making informed decisions and optimizing resource use. Government policies should support these initiatives by providing financial incentives, subsidies, and access to credit for farmers who adopt sustainable practices. Furthermore, strengthening agricultural extension services is crucial to disseminate knowledge and best practices to farmers at the grassroots level.

On a broader scale, India must engage in global climate initiatives and fulfill its commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord. Collaborating with other countries to share knowledge, technology, and resources can enhance India’s capacity to tackle climate challenges. Additionally, implementing robust climate risk assessments and developing early warning systems for extreme weather events can help in better preparedness and response strategies.

In conclusion, addressing the sensitivity of Indian agriculture to climate change requires a holistic approach that encompasses scientific innovation, sustainable practices, supportive policies, and international cooperation. By taking these steps, India can enhance the resilience of its agricultural sector, safeguard the livelihoods of its farmers, and ensure food security for its population in the face of a changing climate.

Dr Rohit Kumar thank you for your contribution to the discussion

The marginal effects of both the temperature and the rainfall at all-India level are statistically significant. Higher growing period temperature in kharif as well as rabi adversely affects agricultural productivity. A 1°C rise in the rabi temperature reduces the gross value of output per hectare by 4.0 per cent. This climate change leads to higher temperatures and unanticipated rainfall across the country, resulting in reduced crop yields and overall food production. Due to the rise in temperature and changes in water availability, climate change can affect irrigated agricultural production throughout Agro-ecological zones. Indian agriculture is highly dependent on seasonal rainfall. Hence, failure or irregularity of rainfall will severely affect agricultural practices in India. Agriculture in India depends mainly on rain for water. The monsoon rains give the right climate for many crops to grow in India. Most of the farmers perceive that in the past 20 years, the temperature levels have risen. About 87 per cent of the farmers noticed an increased number of hot days, while only 4 per cent observed a decrease in the number of hot days, and 9 per cent reported no change in it. To address the long-term negative impacts of climate change and short- and medium-term impacts of climatic variability on agriculture, there is a need for sustained research on increased adaptation and mitigation, capacity building, development activities, and bringing necessary changes in policies. High temperatures, changing precipitation levels, and extreme weather conditions such as droughts, floods, cyclones, etc. will reduce agricultural productivity. Unsustainable agricultural practices lead to soil erosion, eventually leading to a drastic loss in yields. In the future, climate change is likely to exacerbate food insecurity by increasing food prices and reducing food production. However, by implementing smart agriculture technologies and effective climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) approach, we can mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture in India. (i) Identifying most vulnerable districts/regions, (ii) evolving crop varieties and management practices for adaptation and mitigation, (iii) assessing climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifying adaptation strategies. Efficient nitrogen use and application of organic inputs to dry soil can further reduce methane emissions. Anaerobic digestion of animal manure also has the potential to capture valuable methane gas and create rich fertilizers which can be recycled into energy supplies and farm inputs.

Respected Sir

Rk Naresh

Indian agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change due to its dependence on monsoon rains, variability in temperature, and extreme weather events. Climate change impacts such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and floods pose significant risks to crop yields, water availability, and livelihoods.

To reduce the impact of climate change on its agriculture, India should take the following measures:

By implementing these measures, India can reduce the vulnerability of its agriculture sector to climate change, enhance food security, and build resilience to future climate risks.

Dr Himanshu Tiwari thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Indian agriculture faces challenges including erratic rainfall, inadequate irrigation, soil degradation, diverse cultivation methods, improper crop techniques, and diminishing arable land. The marginal effects of both the temperature and the rainfall at all-India level are statistically significant. Higher growing period temperature in kharif as well as rabi adversely affects agricultural productivity. A 1°C rise in the rabi temperature reduces the gross value of output per hectare by 4.0 per cent. Indian agriculture is highly dependent on seasonal rainfall. Hence, failure or irregularity of rainfall will severely affect agricultural practices in India. This climate change leads to higher temperatures and unanticipated rainfall across the country, resulting in reduced crop yields and overall food production. Due to the rise in temperature and changes in water availability, climate change can affect irrigated agricultural production throughout Agro-ecological zones. Most of the farmers perceive that in the past 20 years, the temperature levels have risen. About 87 per cent of the farmers noticed an increased number of hot days, while only 4 per cent observed a decrease in the number of hot days, and 9 per cent reported no change in it. The effects of climate change affect farmers' ability to grow the food we all need. Increasingly volatile weather and more extreme events like floods and droughts change growing seasons, limit the availability of water, allow weeds, pests and fungi to thrive, and can reduce crop productivity. In the future, climate change is likely to exacerbate food insecurity by increasing food prices and reducing food production. However, by implementing smart agriculture technologies and effective climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) approach, we can mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture in India. (i) Identifying most vulnerable districts/regions, (ii) evolving crop varieties and management practices for adaptation and mitigation, (iii) assessing climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifying adaptation strategies. Efficient nitrogen use and application of organic inputs to dry soil can further reduce methane emissions. Anaerobic digestion of animal manure also has the potential to capture valuable methane gas and create rich fertilizers which can be recycled into energy supplies and farm inputs.