Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and climate change presents an ever-growing challenge to its sustainability. Recognizing the urgency, the Narendra Modi government has implemented a series of pioneering initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring food security and economic stability for millions of farmers. Through technological advancements, credit reforms, and sustainable practices, the government has positioned India as a global leader in climate-smart agriculture.
Climate-Resilient Agricultural Technologies: A Game Changer
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) have been at the forefront of developing and scaling up climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) initiative, ICAR has introduced climate-adaptive strategies to counter extreme weather conditions such as droughts, floods, frost, and heat waves. NICRA is built on three pillars: strategic research, technology demonstration, and capacity building, ensuring a holistic approach to climate resilience.
Additionally, ICAR is actively engaged in developing crop varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions. By identifying the most vulnerable districts and tailoring mitigation strategies accordingly, the government has equipped farmers with tools to enhance productivity despite climate uncertainties.
Sustainable Agriculture Through Strategic Missions
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), implemented by DA&FW, aims to build climate resilience by promoting sustainable farming techniques. Under this umbrella, key schemes such as Per Drop More Crop, Rainfed Area Development, and Soil Health & Management have been instrumental in enhancing water efficiency and soil fertility, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
The All India Coordinated Research Programme on Integrated Farming Systems (AICRP-IFS) is another crucial initiative, covering 25 states and union territories. It promotes crop diversification, reducing dependency on traditional high-water-consuming crops and encouraging alternatives like pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals, and nutri-cereals.
Crop Diversification for a Sustainable Future
The Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) has been pivotal in promoting crop diversification in Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh, shifting farmers away from water-intensive paddy cultivation towards more sustainable crops like pulses, oilseeds, and agroforestry. This approach not only conserves water but also enriches soil fertility.
Additionally, the government has extended the crop diversification program to states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, encouraging farmers to move away from tobacco cultivation toward alternative crops. This move is both environmentally and economically beneficial.
A special Pilot Project under Krishi Unnati Yojana, initiated in 2023-24 across 75 districts in 17 states, further strengthens diversification by replacing water-intensive crops with pulses, millets, and oilseeds. With the involvement of 19 State Agricultural Universities and 5 ICAR Institutes, this project ensures scientific backing and structured implementation.
Water Conservation Through Per Drop More Crop
Since its launch in 2015-16, the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme has revolutionized water use efficiency in Indian agriculture. By promoting micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, the scheme has enabled farmers to optimize water consumption, especially for staple crops. With financial assistance of 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers, PDMC has made water-efficient farming accessible to all.
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, operating through 26 network centers, has played a key role in disseminating scientific irrigation techniques, ensuring that farmers get the best returns from minimal water use.
Empowering Farmers Through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
KVKs have been instrumental in addressing climate resilience at the grassroots level. With 731 KVKs spread across the country, farmers receive hands-on training and technology demonstrations tailored to their specific regional needs. In 151 risk-prone districts, KVKs conduct specialized demonstrations under NICRA, ensuring that farmers in the most vulnerable areas receive targeted support.
Moreover, KVKs house Village Climate Risk Management Committees, seed and fodder banks, and Custom Hiring Centers, enabling farmers to undertake timely farm operations. These institutions also provide weather-based advisories, helping farmers mitigate climate risks effectively.
A Vision for a Sustainable and Prosperous Agriculture Sector
The Modi government’s unwavering commitment to climate-resilient agriculture has yielded transformative results. By integrating scientific research, financial support, and policy-driven sustainability, India is not only mitigating the adverse effects of climate change but also empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources needed for a prosperous future.
Through bold reforms like crop diversification, water conservation, and advanced climate-resistant technologies, India is setting an example for the world. With these efforts, the Modi government has reaffirmed its vision of a self-reliant, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural sector, ensuring that India remains a global agricultural powerhouse while safeguarding the interests of its farmers.
