Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several initiatives to combat these challenges through policy interventions, financial support, and technological advancements.
Global warming and climate change have become significant challenges affecting multiple sectors, with agriculture being one of the most vulnerable. Farmers, particularly in India, are facing extreme weather conditions, unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and floods, leading to severe consequences for crop production and food security. Recognizing this crisis, the Government of India has implemented several measures to mitigate the adverse effects and enhance climate resilience in agriculture.
Effects of Climate Change on Farmers
- Erratic Weather Patterns: Unpredictable monsoons, unseasonal rains, and prolonged dry spells have disrupted traditional farming cycles, affecting crop yields and productivity.
- Rising Temperatures: Higher temperatures accelerate evapotranspiration, leading to soil moisture loss, reduced water availability, and heat stress on crops.
- Increased Pest and Disease Incidence: Warmer temperatures and changing humidity levels create favorable conditions for pests and diseases, leading to crop damage and increased dependency on chemical pesticides.
- Water Scarcity: Climate change exacerbates water shortages, making irrigation challenging and affecting crops like rice and wheat that require substantial water.
- Soil Degradation: Frequent extreme weather events lead to soil erosion, loss of organic matter, and declining soil fertility, impacting long-term agricultural sustainability.
- Loss of Livelihoods: Reduced agricultural productivity directly affects the income of farmers, leading to financial distress, migration, and socio-economic instability.
Government Initiatives to Combat Climate Change in Agriculture
The Indian government has taken several proactive measures to mitigate climate change impacts on agriculture and improve farmers’ resilience.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), a part of the NAPCC, focuses on adopting climate-resilient farming techniques and enhancing ecological sustainability.
Key Schemes and Programs
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme: Encourages micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to enhance water-use efficiency at the farm level.
- Rainfed Area Development (RAD): Promotes integrated farming systems to improve productivity and reduce risks associated with climate variability.
- Soil Health and Fertility Scheme: Encourages the judicious use of chemical fertilizers along with organic and bio-fertilizers to maintain soil health and productivity.
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission: Supports sustainable horticulture practices and agroforestry for enhanced climate resilience.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provides financial assistance to farmers facing crop loss due to unforeseen climatic events, ensuring income stability and risk management.
- Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme: Offers insurance coverage based on weather indices, compensating farmers for losses due to adverse climatic conditions.
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched NICRA to develop and implement climate-resilient agricultural technologies. This initiative includes:
- Adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties.
- Promotion of zero-tillage and direct seeding techniques.
- Incorporation of rice residues to improve soil health.
- Capacity-building programs for farmers on sustainable practices.
Impact of Government Measures in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, clusters of villages across 17 districts (such as Baghpat, Banda, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi) have benefited from NICRA interventions. Farmers have adopted climate-resilient rice and wheat varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and soil conservation techniques, leading to improved productivity and reduced climate vulnerability.
The Road Ahead: Building a Climate-Resilient Agricultural Sector
To further enhance farmers’ resilience, the following steps are crucial:
- Expanding Climate-Resilient Crops: Greater research and development in climate-adaptive crop varieties.
- Improving Water Conservation Methods: Strengthening rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and precision irrigation techniques.
- Boosting Awareness and Capacity Building: Educating farmers about climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable farming.
- Enhancing Financial and Technological Support: Increasing access to crop insurance, credit facilities, and climate-smart technology.
- Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging investment in agricultural innovation and sustainability projects.
Climate change poses a severe threat to Indian agriculture and the livelihood of millions of farmers. The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has launched several initiatives to combat these challenges through policy interventions, financial support, and technological advancements. Strengthening sustainable agriculture practices and adopting climate-resilient strategies will be key to ensuring food security and economic stability for India’s farmers in the face of global climate change.
