Addressing Climate Change in Indian Agriculture
Climate change presents a significant challenge to the agricultural sector in India. As weather patterns shift and extreme weather events become more frequent, farmers face increasing risks to their livelihoods. In response, the Indian government established the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008. This plan provides a comprehensive framework for climate action across the country. One of its key components is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which aims to develop strategies that enhance the resilience of agriculture to climate change. This article explores the initiatives taken under the NAPCC and NMSA to support farmers in adapting to these changes.
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a flagship project called the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). This project focuses on studying the effects of climate change on various agricultural sectors, including crops, livestock, horticulture, and fisheries. NICRA also aims to develop and promote technologies that help farmers adapt to climate variability.
Over the past decade, ICAR has released 2,593 new crop varieties, with 2,177 of them showing tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. These developments are crucial for regions prone to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. To assess the risks associated with climate change, ICAR has conducted vulnerability assessments in 651 agricultural districts, identifying 310 districts as vulnerable. Among these, 109 districts are categorized as ‘very high’ vulnerability, while 201 are deemed ‘highly’ vulnerable.
To address these challenges, District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) have been created for the identified districts. These plans recommend climate-resilient crops and management practices tailored to local conditions. Additionally, the concept of “Climate Resilient Villages” (CRVs) has been initiated under NICRA. This program has demonstrated location-specific climate-resilient technologies in 448 CRVs across 151 vulnerable districts, covering 28 states and Union Territories. Through these efforts, ICAR aims to raise awareness among farmers about the impacts of climate change and promote the adoption of resilient agricultural practices.
Government Schemes Supporting Climate Resilience
In light of the challenges posed by climate change, the Indian government has launched several schemes under the NMSA to support farmers. One notable initiative is the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, introduced in 2015-16. This program focuses on improving water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation technologies, such as drip and sprinkler systems. By optimizing water usage, farmers can better cope with water scarcity and enhance crop yields.
Another important scheme is the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) program, which has been implemented since 2014-15. RAD emphasizes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to boost productivity and reduce risks associated with climatic variability. Additionally, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agroforestry, and the National Bamboo Mission aim to increase climate resilience in agricultural practices.
Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) provide comprehensive insurance coverage for farmers. These schemes offer financial support in the event of crop loss or damage due to unforeseen natural calamities and adverse weather conditions. By stabilizing farmers’ incomes, these initiatives help ensure their continued participation in agriculture.
Capacity Building and Awareness Programs
To enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers, the NICRA project also focuses on capacity building and education. Various training programs are conducted to inform farmers about the impacts of climate change and the importance of adopting climate-resilient technologies. These programs aim to empower farmers with knowledge and skills that enable them to make informed decisions regarding their agricultural practices.
By fostering a deeper understanding of climate change and its effects, these initiatives encourage farmers to adopt innovative practices that can mitigate risks. The emphasis on location-specific technologies ensures that farmers receive relevant information tailored to their unique circumstances. This approach not only enhances agricultural productivity but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector.
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