Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently conducted an in-depth assessment under its National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project to evaluate the impact of climate change on agriculture. The study, which followed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocols, assessed the risk and vulnerability of 573 out of 651 predominantly agricultural districts in India.

The findings revealed that 109 districts are categorized as 'very highly' vulnerable, while 201 districts are deemed 'highly' vulnerable to climate change. This critical data was disclosed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, to the Rajya Sabha on July 26, 2024.

Integrated computer simulation modelling studies predict a significant decline in crop yields if adaptation measures are not adopted. The projections indicate a reduction in rainfed rice yields by 20% by 2050 and 47% by 2080. Irrigated rice yields could decrease by 3.5% by 2050 and 5% by 2080, while wheat yields might drop by 19.3% in 2050 and 40% by 2080. Kharif maize yields are expected to decline by 18 to 23% by 2050 and 2080, respectively. On the other hand, soybean yields are projected to increase by 3-10% by 2030 and 14% by 2080.

To mitigate these impacts, adaptation measures have been implemented in 448 villages across 151 climatically vulnerable districts. Demonstrations of climate-resilient technologies include climate-resilient crop varieties, direct seeded rice (DSR), efficient irrigation systems, nitrogen application based on soil health cards and leaf colour charts, crop residue recycling, biogas and vermicomposting, improved fodder management systems to reduce methane emissions from livestock, agroforestry systems as carbon sinks, and zero till drill wheat to avoid terminal heat stress. Additionally, the District Agricultural Contingency Plan (DACP) has been prepared and implemented in all 651 agriculturally important districts of the country.

Government of India is also supporting farmers in adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices through the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). This mission addresses the impact of climate change on agriculture with three major components: Rainfed Area Development (RAD), On-Farm Water Management (OFWM), and Soil Health Management (SHM). New programs such as the Soil Health Card (SHC), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Per Drop More Crop, and the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) are also included under the mission.

These initiatives aim to evolve and implement adaptation and mitigation practices across the country to make agriculture more resilient to the changing climate.

Source: Krishi Jagran