Driving Climate Resilience in Indian Agriculture: New Technologies, Risk Assessments, and Farmer-Centric Initiatives
11 December 2024, New Delhi: In a bid to enhance climate resilience in agriculture, the Government of India has adopted recommendations by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and launched a series of innovative projects and policies. A notable initiative under this effort is the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), which focuses on mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture, livestock, horticulture, and fisheries.
Over the past decade, ICAR has released 2,593 crop varieties, of which 2,177 varieties have been proven tolerant to biotic (pests and diseases) and abiotic (drought, floods, frost) stresses. These efforts have been complemented by the preparation of District Agricultural Contingency Plans (DACPs) for 651 districts, with specific recommendations on climate-resilient crops, varieties, and practices to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Resilient Villages
As part of a district-level vulnerability assessment using IPCC protocols, 310 districts were identified as vulnerable to climate change. Of these, 109 districts were categorized as “very high” and 201 districts as “highly” vulnerable. To address these challenges, NICRA has implemented Climate Resilient Villages (CRVs) in 448 locations across 151 vulnerable districts, showcasing location-specific climate-resilient technologies for farmers.
Farmers in these villages have been trained in adopting technologies that minimize climate risks while increasing productivity. These capacity-building programs aim to empower farmers with actionable knowledge on climate change adaptation and resilience.
Government Schemes for Climate Resilience
The Government has also aligned various schemes under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)to promote climate-resilient practices:
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) focuses on water-use efficiency through drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- Rainfed Area Development (RAD) integrates farming systems to enhance productivity and minimize climate-related risks.
- Initiatives like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Bamboo Mission further support climate resilience in agriculture.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)provide comprehensive insurance coverage for farmers facing crop losses due to natural calamities and adverse weather conditions.
Weather Forecasting for Farmers
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) runs the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS), which offers five-day medium-range weather forecasts at the district and block levels. Through 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs)located at ICAR institutes, IITs, and State Agricultural Universities, IMD generates actionable agrometeorological advisories every Tuesday and Friday to guide farmers on weather-based crop and livestock management.
These efforts collectively aim to reduce crop damage and stabilize farmer incomes, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future.
Please reach out at info@krishakjagat.org, nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org if you would like to share your company story or advertise in the upcoming issue of Global Agriculture magazine.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)
(+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
