Latest news with #NationalInnovationsinClimateResilientAgriculture
Indian Express
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Climate change likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050s and 10-47% during 2080s: Centre reply in Rajya Sabha
The climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperature is likely to affect the productivity of crops significantly in future, said the union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare in a reply to a query in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament, Friday. Responding to a query if the government is aware of how climate change can impact agricultural productivity, Bhagirath Choudhary, the minister of state for agriculture, replied that a study has been conducted to assess the impact of climate change on productivity of crops. 'Yes, the Government implements ICAR flagship network project 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) to study the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries. Study revealed that in the absence of adaptation measures, climate change is likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050's and 10-47% during 2080's. Irrigated rice yields projected to be reduced by 3.5% during 2050's and 5% during 2080's. Wheat yield is also likely to be reduced by 19.3% during 2050's and 40% during 2080's. Kharif maize yields projected to be reduced by 10-19% during 2050's and >20% during 2080's,' said the minister. 'Climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperatures is likely to affect the productivity of horticultural crops. For example, 36.6% yield loss in onion occurs by continuous six days water logging, high temperature stress of >40°C during flowering stage in tomato causes 65% yield loss, 1.5-2 degree rise in winter temperatures leads to shifting of apple cultivation from low to high altitudes and results in 30% yield reduction. Similarly, increasing temperature due to climate change is likely to impact livestock production and animal health resulting into a decline in productivity in terms of milk, meat, wool and draught power. Further, a rise in temperature just by 1°C would cause a profound impact on survival and geographical distribution of different fresh water and marine fish species. Brackish water aquaculture is moderately vulnerable to seasonal variations (20-40% loss) and highly vulnerable to extreme weather events (EWEs) like a flood, heavy rains and cyclones (50 to 100% loss),' the minister said. On the steps that are being taken to make farmers aware of climate-resilient agricultural technologies, the minister further said: 'The Government has undertaken steps to develop and out-scale climate-resilient agricultural technologies through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). The Government has developed various climate-resilient agricultural technologies viz. promotion of climate resilient varieties [2661 tolerant varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) developed, since 2014], resilient cropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero till drill sowing, alternate methods of rice cultivation, green manuring, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, supplementary irrigation, micro-irrigation, sub-surface drainage and soil amendments. These technologies are demonstrated in 151 districts through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).' 'To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) through DA&FW, which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPC),' he added.
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Business Standard
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Parliamentary panel flags 30% staff shortage in Krishi Vigyan Kendras
The panel said 30 per cent staff shortage in KVKs is hurting core functions and called for higher per hectare support and longer assistance for organic farming under DBT New Delhi A parliamentary committee on agriculture has expressed serious concerns over a 30 per cent staff shortage in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which, according to the panel, is affecting their core functions. KVKs are the front-line institutions for agricultural extension and are run by a variety of organisations, including state agriculture universities, social organisations, and state governments. Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other associations, conducted a fortnight-long campaign to understand and address farmers' issues and concerns. Over 730 KVKs across the country were at the forefront of the campaign. The parliamentary panel on the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and natural and organic farming through KVKs, in its report tabled in the Lok Sabha, said the agriculture ministry's plan to increase the sanctioned staff strength in each KVK from 16 to 20 is a welcome step, but would be ineffective without prompt recruitment. It recommended that the ministry urgently address disparities in service conditions across KVKs by revising the memorandum of understanding for non-ICAR KVKs, especially those hosted by state agriculture universities (SAUs) and other organisations, to align service conditions and benefits with those of ICAR KVK employees. The panel also urged the agriculture ministry to establish a robust and consistent funding strategy with a long-term vision for KVK development. It said that while the proposed one-time grant of ₹2,500 crore may offer immediate relief, it cannot substitute for predictable annual funding increases that reflect the evolving needs of KVKs. The report further stated that the current level of financial support of ₹31,500–46,500 per hectare over three years is grossly inadequate for farmers transitioning to organic farming, owing to low yields and financial strain. The panel recommended increasing the direct benefit transfer for organic farming and extending the duration of such support. It noted that due to budget constraints, only 151 of the 310 districts identified as highly and very highly vulnerable to climate change have been selected for adaptation activities under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) programme. On natural farming, the panel acknowledged its importance as a chemical-free, sustainable practice promoted under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). It underscored the need for a standardised yet adaptable protocol and recommended expanding natural farming beyond the Ganga corridor to ecologically sensitive and degraded regions.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials issue dire warning about potential food shortages that could impact millions: 'We should be worried'
India is the second-highest producer of both wheat and rice, according to the World Economic Forum. But with rising atmospheric temperatures changing rainfall and other weather patterns, experts warn that these agricultural outputs will soon be dramatically lower. Outlook Planet reported on the concerning patterns, sharing that India's wheat and rice outputs are expected to dip by 6 to 10% in the coming decades. This is largely due to a loss in freshwater supply. Atmospheric temperatures are climbing — 2024 was India's hottest year on record, the Times of India reported — and this has changed the weather. Western Disturbances, the weather systems that migrate from the Mediterranean, are decreasing in India. These systems are responsible for bringing winter rain and snow, which in turn supplies much of the springtime freshwater supply needed to grow crops. And without this water supply, crops cannot grow. "Water availability is decreasing," said Dr. M Ravichandran, who works as the Secretary with the Indian government's Ministry of Earth Sciences. "Over two billion people, including those in India and China, depend on this water. It is a very serious issue, and we should be worried about the future." Outlook Planet cited the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), a project piloted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. NICRA's research predicts that India's wheat yield will decline by 6 to 25% by 2100, and that their irrigated rice yields will drop 7% by 2050 and 10% by 2080. Outlook Planet quoted Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department. Mohapatra said that the decrease in these staple crop yields will start "significantly impacting farmers and food security of the country." Right now, approximately half of India's population works in the agricultural sector. With these losses, they may be unable to supplement their income. A decrease in both food and water supplies could threaten to upend entire economies in India and beyond. This could ripple into higher prices at the grocery store or major shortage supplies — similar to the ones the U.S. has been experiencing with eggs due to a climate-related bird flu outbreak. A similar issue is happening with fishing in India. With ocean temperatures rising, many fish are moving away from warm coastal waters toward deeper seas. "This is creating major problems for the fishing community and impacting their livelihoods," Ravichandran explained. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Much of the onus of slowing down the planet's warming is coming down to the decisions made by governments and corporations to create — and then adhere to — plans for emissions reductions. However, looking for ways to stay informed and take local action is an excellent way to be empowered in the fight against the drastic impacts of the planet's overheating. For example, choosing to upgrade to electric cars or non-polluting home energy systems is a great way to minimize your own energy usage. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
