India is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of the country’s economy and employment. However, the impact of climate change is posing a significant threat to the future of agriculture in the country, with implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people.
Rising temperatures or heat waves, changes in rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods and droughts are all affecting crop yields and productivity in India. For example, higher temperatures have been responsible for reducing yields of wheat, rice, and pulses some of India’s most important crops. Changes in rainfall patterns can also affect crop yields and increase the risk of pests and diseases.
In recent years, India has experienced a number of extreme weather events that have had significant impacts on agriculture. For example, in 2019, the country experienced its longest and most severe heatwave in history, which led to crop failures and livestock losses. Similarly, in 2020, the country experienced one of the worst locust plagues in decades, which caused significant damage to crops in many parts of the country. In 2022 again we had a heat wave in northern India leading to a severe impact on the wheat crop.
One of the main ways that climate change is affecting agriculture in India is through changes in water availability. India is already a water-stressed country, with many regions experiencing water scarcity, and climate change is exacerbating this problem. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas, which are a major source of water for many rivers in India, are causing water shortages and affecting the availability of irrigation water. This is particularly concerning given that agriculture in India is heavily dependent on irrigation, with around 60% of the cropped area being irrigated.
In addition to affecting the quantity of water available for irrigation, climate change is also affecting the quality of water. Higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns can increase the risk of water pollution, which can have negative impacts on crop yields and human health. For example, polluted water can increase the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, which can have significant economic and social costs.
Overall, the impacts of climate change on agriculture in India are likely to be significant and could have serious implications for the country’s food security. According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change is likely to reduce crop yields in India by up to 30% by the end of the century, with significant variations across different regions and crops.
Addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture in India will require a comprehensive approach that includes both mitigation and adaptation measures. On the mitigation front, reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be critical in order to limit the extent of climate change and its impacts on agriculture. India has already taken some steps in this direction, such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency. However, much more needs to be done in order to achieve the country’s ambitious climate targets.
In addition to mitigation measures, adaptation measures will also be necessary in order to help farmers cope with the impacts of climate change. This could include measures such as improving water management practices, promoting the use of drought-resistant crops, and investing in climate-smart agriculture technologies. In addition, measures to improve the resilience of rural communities, such as social safety nets and insurance schemes, could help to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on livelihoods. This is where Suumaya has been working as a conscious business house active in the sector. Suumaya empowers farmers by helping them educate about climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Suumaya is helping rural communities by making them access those market that provides a premium for regenerative and carbon-neutral agriculture production.
Overall, the impacts of climate change on agriculture in India are significant and require urgent attention. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from governments, civil society, and the private sector, and will require a long-term commitment to both mitigation and adaptation measures. Failure to take action on climate change could have serious implications for the future of agriculture in India, with potentially disastrous consequences for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people.
(This article is written by Mr. Ushik Gala, Chairman & Managing Director, Suumaya Industries Ltd, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
