Farming Production Might Decrease by 25% as a Result of Climate Change, Suggests Study

Climate Change Poses Significant Risks to Indian Agriculture

A recent study by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) indicates that the agricultural sector in India may experience yield losses of up to 25% due to the adverse effects of climate change, which include unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, and increasing temperatures. The report, titled “Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture,” calls for immediate policy interventions.

Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Farming Strategies

The report highlights the pressing need for targeted policy initiatives aimed at promoting climate-resilient technologies, specifically for small and marginal farmers. It identifies erratic weather events—such as unusual rainfall, unexpected droughts, temperature fluctuations, and growing pest infestations—as significant challenges disrupting agricultural cycles throughout various states.

Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Practices

FAIFA’s report emphasizes the necessity of increased financial investment in climate-resilient agricultural technologies, pointing out that the current infrastructure is lacking. A study titled “Nourishing the Future” underscores the urgent requirement for sustainable farming methods to mitigate the effects of climate change. The study also points to substantial initial costs, fragmented infrastructure, and a lack of farmer awareness as major hurdles to the wide-scale adoption of these practices.

Subsidies and Adoption of Innovative Techniques

The report advocates for targeted subsidies to promote renewable energy, micro-irrigation systems, and organic farming inputs. Furthermore, it encourages the widespread implementation of conservation agriculture and integrated farming approaches. The study stresses the importance of enhanced public investment in research and development for climate-resilient seed varieties, expanded training programs for farmers, and the encouragement of precision agriculture technologies.

Key Challenges in Major Agricultural States

According to the report, erratic rainfall, unseasonable droughts, temperature spikes, and increased pest activity are critical challenges affecting major agricultural states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

The Situation of Paddy Farming and Economic Pressures

As pointed out by Murali Babu, General Secretary of FAIFA, “Soil degradation, rising costs of inputs, and diminishing water resources are exerting considerable pressure on farm productivity and profitability.” While the report acknowledges the government’s existing initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana crop insurance program and micro-irrigation projects, it also identifies gaps in execution, including high upfront costs, fragmented infrastructure, and insufficient farmer awareness.

Collaboration for Climate-Smart Agriculture

The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among policymakers, research institutions, and private stakeholders to enhance the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across India’s diverse agricultural landscape.