Date: 14/04/2023

Relevance: GS-3: Economic Development, Biodiversity, and Environment,

Key Phrases: Indian Council of Agriculture Research, World Meteorological Organisation, Soil degradation, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Health Card Scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Context:

• Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, and India is no exception.

Key Highlights:

• Erratic rainfall, heatwaves, and other climate-induced phenomena are not only a threat to India’s food security but also to the livelihood of the 45 per cent of the country’s population that depend on farming.
• In Punjab, for example, at least 40 percent of the 35 lakh hectares of wheat sown has been affected by rain, wind, and hailstorms.
• According to the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), around 85 percent of its budget goes towards salaries and other administrative/establishment expenditures, leaving little for research.
• The same holds true for State agriculture universities. In India, the total R&D expenditure as a percentage of agricultural GDP has been stagnant at 0.3-0.5 percent in the last two decades.
• Extreme weather events have become a norm in India, and adaptation and resilience building must be a priority.
• An analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water found that the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events have increased by almost 200 percent since 2005, and three out of four districts in the country are facing extreme climate change.
• According to a study by the World Meteorological Organisation, India is estimated to have suffered an average annual loss of around ₹6-lakh crore from climate-induced changes.

The Impact of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture Includes:

• Reduced crop yields: Climate change has led to reduced soil moisture, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, and increased pest and disease incidence, all of which reduce crop yields.
• Water scarcity: Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures have led to water scarcity, particularly in regions that rely on irrigation. This has made it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops and has reduced the availability of water for domestic use.
• Soil degradation: Climate change has led to soil degradation due to erosion, loss of organic matter, and changes in soil structure. This reduces the fertility of the soil, making it less suitable for agriculture.
• Increased incidence of pests and diseases: Warmer temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns have led to an increase in the incidence of pests and diseases, which can reduce crop yields and quality.

To promote climate-resilient agriculture in India, several measures can be taken, including:

• Developing drought-resistant crop varieties: Farmers can be provided with drought-resistant crop varieties that can withstand long periods of drought and require less water.
• Improving soil fertility: The fertility of the soil can be improved by using organic manure and fertilizers, crop rotation, and intercropping.
• Promoting water conservation: Water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and the construction of small-scale water storage structures can be promoted.
• Developing weather-resistant infrastructure: Weather-resistant infrastructure such as flood-resistant seed storage facilities and irrigation systems can be developed to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.
• Encouraging crop diversification: Encouraging farmers to grow a variety of crops can help reduce their vulnerability to climate change by spreading their risks and reducing their dependence on a single crop.
• Providing climate information and advisory services: Providing farmers with climate information and advisory services can help them make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and crop management.
• Farmers need hand-holding in the early phases and support for knowledge exchange with skill-intensive practices.
• Incentivizing outcome-based support instead of input-based subsidies for fertilizers and power could encourage innovation among farmers and allow the adoption of alternative approaches.
• R&D must focus more on impact studies than conventional farming across agroclimatic zones.

Conclusion:

• Climate change is a significant challenge that requires urgent action in India, particularly in the agricultural sector.
• Policymakers, agri-scientists, and farmers must work together to reduce vulnerabilities and enable farmers to survive climate change.
• The government must increase investment in research and development to promote climate-resistant agriculture.
• Sustainable farming practices, such as crop diversification and integrated farming, can help farmers produce more food while adapting to climate change.
• It is essential to prioritize adaptation and resilience building, and public-private partnerships can play a critical role in this effort.
• By taking these steps, India can address the challenges posed by climate change and secure the future of its agricultural sector.

Source: The Hindu BL

Mains Question:

Q. India's agricultural sector is facing significant challenges due to climate change. Discuss the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture and suggest measures that can be taken to promote climate-resilient agriculture in the country."(250 Words).