Is the agriculture industry planning to change crop selections in response to climate change and how does climate change affect crop production in India?
The agriculture industry is actively adapting crop selections in response to climate change to ensure food security and maintain productivity. This involves shifting to drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties, adopting short-duration crops, and diversifying to spread risk. Climate change affects crop production through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased extreme weather events, and the proliferation of pests and diseases. In India, these changes are particularly impactful, with water scarcity from erratic monsoon rains and higher temperatures threatening yields of staples like wheat and rice. To mitigate these effects, Indian agricultural institutions are developing climate-resilient crop varieties, improving irrigation infrastructure, and supporting farmers through government policies and subsidies. Additionally, education and training initiatives are teaching farmers sustainable practices and the benefits of crop diversification. Overall, the industry's proactive measures aim to adapt to the changing climate, ensuring agricultural sustainability and resilience.