Date : 25/11/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Keywords: CSA, Community-Supported Efforts, NGOs, NICRA

Context-

The 21st century presents humanity with two paramount challenges: climate change and food insecurity. The repercussions of climate change, manifesting as heat waves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, are adversely affecting lives and livelihoods across the globe. Southern continents are grappling with severe droughts, undermining agricultural production and farmers' well-being. Simultaneously, population growth and dietary shifts are amplifying the demand for food. This confluence of environmental stressors and increased food demand necessitates a comprehensive strategy. One promising approach to address these challenges is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), a holistic framework that aligns with the imperative to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is CSA?

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a strategy for guiding measures to transition agri-food systems towards more environmentally friendly and climate-resilient practices.

It strives to achieve three major goals: boosting agricultural output and incomes sustainably; adapting to and creating resilience to climate change; and decreasing and/or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions where practicable.

Climate Change's Impact on Agriculture:

The effects of climate change on agriculture are profound, with potential crop yield declines in countries like India reaching alarming levels. Adapting to these changes is imperative, given the increasing need to boost agricultural production by 60% by 2050. Traditional farming practices are proving less effective, prompting farmers to reevaluate their methods and adopt adaptive measures.

Climate-Smart Agriculture: Challenges

Challenges in the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) include gaps in knowledge and skills, particularly among small-scale and resource-poor farmers who lack access to current information and technical training in climate-smart practices. The awareness and understanding of CSA approaches are hindered by these knowledge gaps.

Financial constraints pose a significant barrier, as implementing climate-smart agricultural practices often requires substantial upfront investments in new technologies, equipment, and infrastructure. Many farmers, especially in impoverished countries, struggle to secure the necessary finance and funding for such initiatives.

Policy and institutional barriers further impede the uptake of CSA. Inadequate policy frameworks and weak institutional support can hinder the expansion of these practices. Issues such as a lack of cooperation among government agencies, poor enforcement of regulations, and unclear land tenure systems contribute to these challenges.

Uncertain climate projections add another layer of difficulty. Farmers need accurate and reliable climatic information to make informed decisions and adjust their agricultural practices. The lack of trustworthy climate data and information complicates the implementation of climate-smart agriculture.

Limited access to crucial resources, including land, water, seeds, and fertilizers, presents additional challenges for farmers. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate resource scarcity, making it more challenging for farmers to adopt climate-smart practices that rely on adequate access to these resources.

Technological compatibility and scalability are also concerns. Not all climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices are universally applicable across different agroecological zones or farming systems. The scalability and adaptability of certain practices may be difficult, necessitating context-specific approaches and innovation.

Climate-Smart Agriculture as a Holistic Solution:

In 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organization defined Climate-Smart Agriculture as a transformative approach to support sustainable development and safeguard food security in the face of climate change. CSA encompasses three pillars: sustainably increasing productivity and incomes, adapting and building resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The dimensions of climate-smart practices, including water-smart, weather-smart, energy-smart, and carbon-smart approaches, aim to enhance productivity, address land degradation, and improve soil health.

Community-Supported Efforts and Global Recognition:

Globally, there is a growing recognition of CSA's value in minimizing and adapting to the effects of climate change on agriculture. Community-supported agriculture efforts are on the rise, aiming to create resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural systems. Concrete examples, such as agroforestry, sustainable water management, and precision agriculture, demonstrate the practical application of CSA concepts. The promotion of crop diversification, increased water efficiency, and integration of drought-resistant crop types all contribute to mitigating the disruptive effects of climate change.

Economic and Social Impacts of CSA:

The implementation of CSA not only enhances resilience to climate-related dangers but also brings about significant economic autonomy for farmers. By disseminating information and providing access to climate-resilient methods, CSA instigates a transformative change in farming communities. This economic empowerment is crucial, particularly for disadvantaged farmers facing the brunt of climate change. The popularity of CSA signifies a positive trajectory for biodiversity conservation, as its ecosystem-based approach helps balance cropland and wild areas, safeguarding native plant species and pollinator populations.

Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The agricultural sector, while facing climate-related challenges, is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 17% in 2018. CSA emerges as a crucial tool in reducing these emissions and protecting biodiversity. Beyond mitigating climate change impacts, CSA aids in enhancing farmland carbon storage, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Agroforestry and carbon sequestration, as CSA measures, contribute to India's international obligations in the global fight against climate change.

Flexibility and Localized Responses:

CSA is not a rigid set of rules but a flexible concept with diverse potential applications. Dealing with global warming necessitates localized responses, emphasizing the need for capacity-building programs and the dissemination of practical CSA tools and knowledge. As production resources diminish and demand for agricultural products increases, resource-efficient farming becomes imperative. CSA significantly contributes to climate adaptation, mitigation, and food security, as evidenced by studies showcasing improved agricultural production and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

CSA in India: A Unique Juncture:

India, with a majority of small and marginal farmers, stands at a unique juncture where CSA adoption is not just desirable but essential. Government initiatives, such as the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, Soil Health Mission, and Climate Smart Village, underscore India's commitment to CSA. Public and private sector entities, including farmer-producer organizations and NGOs, are actively working towards CSA adoption. With a focus on enhancing profits for small farmers, CSA holds the potential to address climate vulnerability and agricultural significance simultaneously.

Climate Smart Agriculture: Government Initiatives

Several government initiatives in India are dedicated to promoting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change. Here are key programs and missions:

National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):

Established in 2011 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), NICRA aims to enhance production and risk management technologies to increase the resilience of Indian agriculture, covering crops, animals, and fisheries.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):

NAPCC, a national policy, focuses on adapting to climate change and improving ecological sustainability. Organized around eight "National Missions," it promotes climate change awareness, adaptation, mitigation, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation.

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):

A part of NAPCC, NMSA includes initiatives like Soil Health Card, Mission Organic Value Chain Development, and Rainfed Area Development. It promotes sustainable agriculture through eco-friendly technologies, energy efficiency, and integrated farming practices.

National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC):

NAFCC supports climate change adaptation measures in states and union territories vulnerable to its effects, including the agricultural sector.

Climate-smart villages (CSV):

CSV is an institutional strategy for implementing Climate Smart Agriculture at the local level, addressing a range of farm activities to enhance farmers' ability to adapt to climate change.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMSKY):

PMSKY prioritizes water conservation and management in agriculture, aiming to expand irrigation and improve water use efficiency.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

PMFBY is a government-sponsored agriculture insurance program providing financial assistance and risk reduction to farmers in case of crop loss due to unforeseen events.

National Water Mission (NWM):

NWM focuses on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and increasing Water Use Efficiency (WUE) by 20%, including measures in the agriculture sector.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

An extension of Soil Health Management, PKVY supports and promotes organic farming through an organic village-by-cluster approach.

Biotech-KISAN:

Started in 2017, Biotech-KISAN is a scientist-farmer partnership initiative connecting science laboratories with farmers to implement innovative ideas and technologies at the farm level.

Neem Coated Urea:

Neem Coated Urea is a fertiliser that gradually releases nitrogen, reducing the need for chemicals in farming and increasing crop production.

Agro-forestry Sub-mission:

Initiated in 2016-17, this mission aims to plant trees on farm bunds to improve agricultural sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change.

National Livestock Mission:

Launched in 2014-15, this mission focuses on sustainable livestock development, protecting the environment, ensuring bio-security, conserving animal biodiversity, and supporting farmers' livelihoods.

Conclusion

In the face of a changing climate and escalating food demand, Climate-Smart Agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. Its holistic approach, encompassing sustainability, resilience, and innovation, positions CSA as a key player in ensuring a sustainable future. From empowering farmers economically to safeguarding biodiversity and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, CSA offers a comprehensive solution to the complex challenges posed by climate change in agriculture. As the world navigates towards a more sustainable future, CSA stands as a testament to the potential of innovative, adaptive, and holistic approaches in securing global food security and environmental well-being.

Source- The Hindu