Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction: Set the context
- Start with a brief definition of climate change and its global effects.
- Link the impact to India, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy.
- State the relevance: Mention how climate change poses a significant challenge to Indian agriculture, affecting food security, livelihoods, and rural communities.
2. Body of the answer: Examining the potential effects
a) Temperature Increase
- Fact: Average temperature rise in India could reach up to 1.5°C by 2030 (Source: IPCC).
- Effect: This leads to heat stress, lower crop yields (especially wheat, rice), and shorter growing seasons.
b) Irregular Rainfall Patterns
- Fact: A decline of 6-8% in annual rainfall in central India over the past few decades (Source: Indian Meteorological Department).
- Effect: Increased droughts and floods reduce water availability for crops, causing shifts in cropping patterns and decreased productivity.
c) Extreme Weather Events
- Fact: The frequency of extreme events like cyclones, floods, and droughts has increased by 30% (Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
- Effect: Damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure leads to higher risks for farmers and lower economic returns.
d) Soil Degradation and Salinity
- Fact: About 30% of India’s land is undergoing desertification or land degradation (Source: ICAR).
- Effect: Reduces soil fertility, affecting crop yields in arid and semi-arid regions.
3. Body of the answer: Government measures to mitigate and adapt
a) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
- Objective: Promote sustainable agricultural practices by managing resources efficiently.
- Fact: Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to enhance climate resilience. (Source: Government of India)
b) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Objective: Improve water use efficiency and promote irrigation.
- Fact: Aims to expand irrigation cover from the current 48% to 65% of net sown area (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
c) Soil Health Card Scheme
- Objective: Provide farmers with soil health data to improve crop yields.
- Fact: Over 14 crore Soil Health Cards issued to farmers (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
d) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- Objective: Promote organic farming to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
- Fact: Around 7 lakh hectares under organic farming (Source: Ministry of Agriculture, 2023).
e) Crop Insurance through Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Objective: Provide financial support to farmers affected by crop failure due to climate risks.
- Fact: Over 5 crore farmers covered by PMFBY in the 2021-22 season (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
Impact of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture
Climate change poses significant challenges to India’s agricultural sector, affecting crop yields, water availability, and farmer livelihoods.
Declining Crop Yields
Rice and Wheat: Studies indicate that between 2010 and 2039, crop yields could decline by up to 9% due to rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns.
Water Scarcity
Irrigation Challenges: Erratic monsoons and increased evaporation are leading to water shortages, impacting irrigation-dependent crops.
Government Initiatives
To mitigate these challenges, the Indian government has implemented several measures:
Climate-Resilient Seed Development: In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 climate-resilient seed varieties, aiming to ensure at least 25% of paddy fields are sown with these seeds in the upcoming season.
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Programs like the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) promote CSA practices, including crop diversification and efficient water use, to enhance productivity and resilience.
Financial Support Schemes: Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provide crop insurance to shield farmers from climate-induced losses.
Conclusion
Addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture requires a multifaceted approach, combining technological innovation, sustainable practices, and robust support systems to ensure food security and farmer welfare.
Impact of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture
Declining Crop Yields: Climate change is expected to severely impact Indian agriculture. Projections show that by 2050, rainfed rice yields may decline by 20%, with even more severe reductions of 47% by 2080. Similarly, wheat yields could fall by 19.3% by 2050 and 40% by 2080, with major effects on food security and farmer livelihoods.
Increased Extreme Events: Droughts, floods, and heatwaves will become more frequent, disrupting food production. These events also affect the nutritional quality of crops and exacerbate poverty among farmers.
Government Measures
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, this initiative promotes sustainable farming practices to adapt to climate change.
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): Launched in 2011, NICRA aims to develop climate-resilient technologies, such as drought-resistant crop varieties and improved farming practices. Over 1888 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed, helping vulnerable regions cope with extreme weather.
These measures aim to safeguard agricultural productivity and ensure food security despite changing climatic conditions.