By CA Aditya Sesh
In recent years, the agriculture sector has faced significant challenges due to climate change. Elevated temperatures and unpredictable rainfall have reduced crop yields across India and the world. Weather patterns have become increasingly volatile, with instances of unexpected floods in regions like the Middle East. The past years have seen a mix of rainfall levels, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting above-normal rainfall this year. However, above-normal heat waves have also impacted everyone, including farmers. India receives an average of 800 to 1,100 mm of rainfall, but this varies due to diverse topography and regional rainy seasons, such as in South India, where it typically occurs in December.
Irrigation is often viewed as an alternative to rain-fed agriculture. In Madhya Pradesh, 42 percent of the cultivable area is irrigated, yet 60 percent of rainwater is not stored. In Uttar Pradesh, 86.70 percent of cultivable land is irrigated, while only 48 percent of cultivated land is irrigated at the national level. This indicates that nearly 60 percent of central India, accounting for 38 percent of the total sown area, relies on rain-fed agriculture, highlighting the need to expand irrigation coverage.
Efficient water management is crucial. Techniques like drip irrigation, which delivers small amounts of water directly to plant roots, and rainwater harvesting can conserve water and increase its availability during dry periods. Efforts are being made to revitalize unattended water bodies, such as small ponds around villages, to recharge groundwater levels.
Community initiatives, like Maharashtra’s Jal Shivar project and Nagaland’s Ruza practice, the later collects runoff water in elevated ponds for gravity-based irrigation, demonstrating effective water conservation practices.
Agriculture must adapt to weather variability, including phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed climate-smart crop varieties that are drought-resistant, flood-tolerant, and disease-resistant. Crops like chickpeas, millets, pulses, and paddy have benefited from these developments. For example, the Suvarna Unnat Dhan rice variety is a dwarf short crop of 120-day crop that tolerates weather fluctuations. Genome-edited seed varieties also offer resilience against climate extremes.
Farmers should adopt conservation agriculture practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping, which enhance soil structure and fertility. These practices help retain moisture, reduce erosion, and increase organic matter in the soil, making crops more resilient to drought and heavy rainfall. The Bihar government’s soil conservation and organic agriculture initiatives have gained international recognition, serving as a model for other regions. The Soil Health Card scheme has also been successful in promoting soil health.
Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes through agroforestry can provide multiple benefits, including windbreaks, soil erosion reduction, and enhanced biodiversity. Agroforestry systems also sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
To reduce pesticide use and promote holistic crop protection, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare advocates Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The government has established 36 Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) to monitor pests and recommend eco-friendly control methods. Neem and lemongrass-based pesticides are examples of bio-friendly alternatives that reduce chemical residues and make crops more resilient to pests.
Agri-tech is essential for managing current and future infestations. Researchers use data models to predict pest attacks in a climate-altered future. Precision agriculture, utilizing GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics, helps farmers make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and fertilization. Mobile applications and digital platforms offer real-time weather forecasts and market information, aiding farmers in adapting to changing conditions. Climate modeling and early warning systems predict extreme weather events, allowing proactive measures. Investment in research and development for climate-resilient technologies and practices is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Despite the benefits, the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices faces challenges, including limited access to resources, lack of awareness, and inadequate policy support. Addressing these requires a multifaceted approach, including extension services and capacity-building programs to educate farmers. Collaboration between research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector can drive innovation. Enhanced weather prediction capabilities from the Indian Meteorological Department and organizations like Skymet provide valuable micro-weather data. This information is disseminated through smartphones, Gram Panchayat Sabhas, WhatsApp groups, Doordarshan, and radio stations. Internet of Things (IoT) technology and drones are increasingly used for data collection and analysis, improving farm-level decision-making.
Farmers can also mitigate climatic fluctuations through product diversification. A diversified crop base can offset adverse effects on one crop with another. For example, combining wheat with moong can balance price differentials. Growing crops like quinoa, millet, and turmeric together can manage market fluctuations. Integrating fish farming and dairy activities can further enhance income. Utilizing agricultural residues, such as stubble for paper production and boiler briquettes, can add economic value. Schemes like Haryana’s ‘Mera Pani – Meri Virasat’ offer financial assistance to farmers diversifying from paddy to alternative crops, promoting water conservation and additional income opportunities.
The Public Distribution System (PDS) provides rations to farmers, allowing more grains to be sold in the market. Some farmers are converting agricultural land into residential plots, reducing agricultural areas. Promoting pride in agriculture through education can encourage the next generation to continue farming. Agriculture can also be a side profession for educated individuals, who can mitigate climatic fluctuations with minimal support.
Non-agricultural businesses also face multiple challenges but manage risks through market deepening, value-added products, research, and technology. Farmers can adopt similar strategies to inspire and be inspired by other sectors. A mindset change, viewing agriculture as a business rather than just a profession, is essential for integrating these solutions and transforming farming practices.
CA Aditya Sesh is a Member of the Expert Committee in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and the Founder of Basiz Fund Services.