Unseasonal rains, rising heat: Farmers bear the brunt of climate change
The world we live in is changing, and it's most visible in the day-to-day shifts in weather patterns—not just in several parts of the world, but also in India.2025 has brought an unusual shift in climate patterns across India over the past six months, with the most visible impacts seen in agriculture.Farmers around the globe are bearing the brunt of climate change. Untimely rains in May this year wreaked havoc in Southern and Western India, damaging crops and contributing to rising food inflation.advertisement
As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted in its Sixth Assessment Report, climate change has adversely affected global crop yields.The report also highlights that 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions currently come from agriculture, forestry, and land use. Agriculture, therefore, is both a contributor to and a victim of climate change.
Pest attacks have also increased, with certain pests thriving in warmer climates, causing further crop losses. (Photo: PTI)
India's Economic Survey for 2024–25 emphasizes the impact of climate change on food inflation. The rise in cyclones has led to widespread crop damage across the country.Unseasonal rains and extreme heat have pushed farmers into distress. In March, hailstorms in Haryana damaged mustard and sunflower crops, severely affecting oilseed production.advertisementTomato, onion, and potato—the key 'TOP' crops—have been particularly vulnerable to climate shifts. Erratic rainfall in May impacted major producing states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.This led to a doubling of tomato prices, and onion prices are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. These damages are not limited to food crops but have triggered ripple effects across food supply chains.Unpredictable rainfall causes sudden supply chain disruptions, pushing prices even higher and leading to instability. Damaged roads and inadequate storage facilities worsen the situation.Pest attacks have also increased, with certain pests thriving in warmer climates, causing further crop losses.
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a visit to Kaziranga National Park, in Assam. (Photo: PTI)
Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, noted at a conference on 'Innovating for Climate Resilient Agriculture' that wheat yields are projected to decline by 4% over the next 30 years due to climate change.It's not just food crops that are at risk, but also the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them.advertisementAgriculture must be prioritized in all global treaties and policies—not just because it is the most affected sector, but because it is the backbone of humanity.Strengthening food storage systems, improving cold chain infrastructure, fixing transportation flaws, and adopting sustainable farming practices are not merely options—they are necessities.Must Watch
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