Minimising Impact Of Climate Change In India's Agriculture Sector

The livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, the sustainable growth of agriculture and the security of food and nutrition are all at serious risk due to climate change. In the likely future climatic scenarios, predictions point to a considerable increase in the surface temperature as well as a rise in the frequency of climate extremes including heat waves, cold waves, floods and droughts. 

A 1.5°C rise in temperature is expected to have a significant impact on food supplies and crop yields, as well as on human and animal health and ecosystem services.

Using various datasets and calculation techniques, several studies have examined the effects of climate change on Indian agriculture. Because technical developments and autonomous adaptations are not taken into consideration, the impact of climate change on crop yields is often negative for most crops under controlled tests, but the results are biassed higher. 

Experts told BW Businessworld that climate change presents a formidable challenge in agriculture as it increasingly disrupts crop productivity and the financial stability of farmers, potentially driving small-scale farmers away from agriculture due to its declining viability. 

"The market economy is not friendly for farmers especially the smallholders – unseasonal rains are wreaking havoc and El Nino combined with the uncertainties of agricultural markets – all of which together aim to disrupt the earning potential of Indian farmers. With around 55 per cent of India’s arable land almost entirely dependent on precipitation, rainfall during the current monsoon season could sway economic activity in the agriculture sector and industries linked to it," said Aneesh Jain, Founder, Gram Unnati.

He added that a substantial portion of the population is dependent on agriculture and diminishing agricultural growth can result in decreased income for farmers. This, in turn, affects the purchasing power of rural households, which can have a cascading effect on various sectors of the economy.

On what practices farmers need to adopt for climate-resilient farming, Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation said, "Farmers should select and plant crop varieties that are more resistant to temperature extremes, whether it's heat-tolerant crops for areas experiencing higher temperatures or cold-resistant crops for regions with extreme cold spells."

Ghosh added that early warning systems and predictive models can assist farmers in preparing for extreme weather events and adapting their farming practices accordingly. These tools enable better risk management and resource allocation.  

According to Ghosh, leapfrog solutions can skip traditional development stages and provide farmers with cutting-edge tools, practices, and technologies that protect productivity and maintain the nutritional value of crops. 

Climate extremes have more detrimental effects than climate change which happens gradually. Droughts affect almost two-thirds of India's land area; the risk of a drought occurring at the national level ranges from 20 per cent in dry-humid regions to 40 per cent or more in desert parts (Government of India, 2009). Notably, Indian agriculture is still dependent on the monsoons, hence it is crucial to comprehend how the crops react to the monsoon's timing or distribution during the growing season. 

Talking about the role of government, experts pointed out that it can take several steps to promote crop diversification. These include incentivising farmers to diversify their crops through subsidies, financial incentives, and technical support. As mentioned, schemes like the Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) are already in place and their coverage can be expanded. 

"Livelihood diversification is essential for providing farmers with alternative income sources. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) already works to create livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Expanding its reach and scope can help diversify incomes and provide safety nets. Encouraging the establishment of MSMEs in rural areas, which can absorb surplus labour from agriculture and provide new income sources," Gram Unnati's Jain mentioned.

In addition to these steps, it's essential for the government to work closely with agricultural experts, research institutions, and farmers to tailor climate-resilient strategies for different regions in India, considering the specific challenges and opportunities each one presents. 

Climate-smart agriculture practices, such as precision farming and sustainable land management, can also play a significant role in reducing the risks associated with climate change in agriculture.