15-July-2024-Special-Article

CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE (CRA) 

Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) refers to agricultural practices and systems designed to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

It aims to enhance the resilience of agricultural ecosystems, improve food security, and sustain livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture 

• Effect on Yields: Without adaptation measures, climate change is projected to reduce yields of major crops like rice, wheat, maize, and soybean.
• Extreme Events: Events like droughts increase poverty, migration, and farmer indebtedness, affecting food and nutrient consumption.

Practices of Climate-Resilient Agriculture 

• Agroforestry: Cultivating trees alongside crops improves soil health, reduces erosion, and enhances biodiversity. It also helps in soil moisture retention.
• Soil and Water Conservation: Techniques such as contour bunding, farm ponds, and check dams enhance soil moisture, prevent erosion, and recharge groundwater.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like crop diversification, organic farming, and integrated pest management reduce chemical use, mitigate greenhouse gases, and improve soil health.
• Livestock Management: Practices such as stall-feeding and mixed cropping enhance livestock productivity and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Government Steps for Climate-Resilient Agriculture 

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Provides policy framework for climate action, including the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• NMSA Components: Focuses on Rainfed Area Development (RAD), On Farm Water Management (OFWM), and Soil Health Management (SHM).
• Initiatives: Soil Health Card Scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) promote sustainable practices.
• Research Initiatives: ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) develops climate-resilient crop varieties and District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs).
• Insurance Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) protect farmers from climate risks.

Key Challenges Related to Climate-Resilient Agriculture 

• Vulnerability: Developing countries like India, where a large population depends on agriculture, are more vulnerable to climate risks.
• Low Productivity: Indian agriculture faces challenges like low productivity compared to global standards, especially in terms of crop yields.
• Environmental Impact: Agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through nitrogen fertilizers, impacting climate change.
• Policy Implementation: Challenges in policy implementation at the grassroots level, affecting adoption of climate-resilient practices.

Way Forward for Climate-Resilient Agriculture 

• Technological Integration: Use of advanced technologies, meteorology, and data sciences to mitigate climate risks.
• Crop Diversification: Promote diverse cropping patterns to enhance resilience and ensure food security.
• Water Management: Expand drip irrigation to conserve water and reduce dependence on groundwater.
• Promotion of Organic Farming: Encourage organic farming to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: Improve Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to disseminate climate-resilient practices effectively.
• Local Governance: Involve Panchayats in policy formulation and implementation to ensure grassroots participation.
• Incentives: Introduce incentives for villages adopting climate-resilient practices to encourage widespread adoption.

Conclusion 

Climate-resilient agriculture is crucial for sustainable development in agrarian economies like India. Government initiatives, coupled with technological advancements and community participation, are key to building resilience against climate change impacts.

By promoting practices like agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, and efficient water management, India can strengthen its agricultural sector and ensure food security amidst changing climatic conditions.

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the significance of climate-resilient agriculture in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on India’s agrarian economy. (150 WORDS)