India’s ambition to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by 2030 faces escalating challenges exacerbated by climate change. Climate change impacts have a profound effect on agricultural productivity, water availability, and food security, all critical to achieving this goal.

• Firstly, changing weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods disrupt agricultural cycles. Erratic rainfall patterns lead to crop failures and reduced yields, affecting food availability and affordability. Small-scale farmers, who constitute a significant portion of India’s agricultural workforce, are particularly vulnerable to these fluctuations, further undermining food production.
• Secondly, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns alter the geographical distribution of pests and diseases. This shift threatens crops and livestock, diminishing agricultural output and food supply chains. Additionally, water scarcity intensifies as glaciers melt and rainfall becomes erratic, exacerbating the challenges of irrigation and drinking water access, especially in rural areas.

Moreover, climate change contributes to ecosystem degradation, affecting biodiversity and fisheries, crucial sources of nutrition for many communities. Reduced fish stocks and altered marine habitats further strain food resources, particularly for coastal populations.

India’s 2030 goal to end hunger necessitates not only increased food production but also resilient agricultural practices and infrastructure. This includes promoting climate-smart agriculture techniques, enhancing water management strategies, and investing in sustainable farming practices resilient to climate shocks. Additionally, there is a pressing need for policies that integrate climate adaptation measures with food security initiatives, ensuring vulnerable populations are adequately supported.

In conclusion, climate change poses significant obstacles to India’s efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition by 2030. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach that integrates climate resilience into food security strategies while prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.