Climate change is a ticking time bomb. Every day we are reaching nearer to the tipping point beyond which it may become irreversible. Agriculture is more susceptible to this shifting weather pattern. Rising temperature reduces yield of crops, promotes proliferation of weeds and pests. The shortening of crop duration in annual crops adversely affect productivity. In crops such as rice, wheat, sunflower etc., processes like- reproduction, pollination and fertilization are highly sensitive to temperature. Changes in rainfall pattern causes drought, floods, erratic rainfall which reduces crop yield. It reduces agricultural income by 15-25 % and causes global hunger and poverty. For a country like India which is already facing population explosion and a tremendous slicing of agricultural land; the loss of about 5-8 million hectares of crop due to climate change is a matter of serious concern.

The famous agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan once said – “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right”. In this hour of need, “Climate Resilient Agriculture” can be a game changer. It is the incorporation of adaptation, mitigation and other practices in agriculture which increases the capacity of the crop to respond to various climatic distributions by resisting damages and quick recovery. It involves a set of sustainable agricultural practices which not only focuses on growing crops; but also cares about soil, air, water and all the living things that depends on them.

A nation-wide action plan was introduced by Government of India to make Indian agriculture more resilient to changing climate. Early maturing, stress tolerant cultivators are introduced to increase yield despite of challenging climate. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched to cop up with scarcity of water. Concept of “Pre-Drop More Crop” was given to promote drip/ micro-irrigation for water conservation. Soil health card scheme launched to analyze soil samples and guide farmers about land fertility. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana was initiated to promote use of climate-smart practices. Integrated Farming System was introduced, under which crop is integrated with activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, agroforestry, apiculture etc. to enable farmers not only to give a sustaining livelihood, but also to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events as an income opportunity. Foundation of Climate Resilient Villages by ICAR, with an aim of building carbon positive villages got global recognition. At the behest of Government of India, Year 2023 was declared as International Year of Millet with an aim to increase awareness and production of millet due to their climate resilient, nutritious nature. In addition to this, regular weather advisories are provided to farmers by print, Door Darshan, radio, internet etc. including SMS through Kisan Portal and apps like ‘Meghdoot’, ‘KisanSuvidha’.

As climate change has no boundaries. It is the responsibility of entire world to find and promote climate resilient agricultural practices. “The future belongs to the nations with grains, not with guns. We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it”.

Nishu

University/College name : National Agri Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali