In India, climate change is severely affecting rice and wheat production due to erratic weather patterns. Farmers are increasingly adopting climate-resilient seeds developed by research organizations to ensure better yields and viability. However, to maximize the effectiveness of these innovations, it is critical to ensure farmers have access and support. Government initiatives aim to promote these seeds and secure food production amidst escalating climate challenges.
In India, one of the leading global producers and consumers of wheat and rice, climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural production. Erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures particularly impact rice cultivation in Rayanpet, a village in southern India. Farmers like P. Ravinder Reddy, who transitioned to agriculture from military service, have found traditional planting methods increasingly unviable. “We used to know when it would rain and for how long and we sowed our seeds accordingly. Now it’s so unpredictable and many times the seeds don’t sprout either because there’s too much rain or it’s completely dry,” Mr. Reddy remarked. Research institutions in India have been dedicated to developing resilient rice varieties that can withstand the impact of climate change. Mr. Reddy has adopted these new seed varieties, which have shown increased resistance to disease and require less water, leading to better yields. He has devoted a quarter of his 25-acre farm to these crops. Given India’s vulnerability to climate impacts, these resilient seeds are essential for food security, not only for the country but also for export demands. As highlighted in a recent United Nations report, over 700 million people experienced hunger globally, which emphasizes the urgent need for crops that endure changing climatic conditions. With nearly 120 million farmers in India, many of whom operate on less than five acres, erratic weather exacerbates their financial struggles. Some are exploring natural farming methods that incorporate traditional techniques, though these often yield lower outputs. The Indian government is taking action by promoting climate-resilient seeds alongside the ancient methods to ensure consistent food production. Experts recognize that climate change causes various agricultural challenges, such as increased salinity, heavy rainfall, and prolonged droughts. Ashok Kumar Singh, former director at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, stated, “We really need these seeds to deal with these multiple issues created by global warming.” His institution, supported by government funding, has introduced over 2,000 resilient seed varieties in the last decade. In a recent initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 climate-resilient seed varieties across multiple crop categories including cereals and pulses, with a goal of ensuring that 25% of the land used for rice cultivation adopts these new seeds in the upcoming kharif season. Janila Pasupuleti from the International Crops Research Institute emphasized the holistic approach to breeding crops that can resist heat and pests, ultimately enhancing overall yield and nutritional value. Nevertheless, the successful deployment of these resilient seeds hinges on the accessibility, affordability, and training provided to farmers. Aditi Mukherji of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research pointed out that the triumph of India’s green revolution was due to a well-coordinated system that supported farmers effectively during its implementation. A call for increased research funding—at least 1% of agricultural GDP—remains critical, emphasized Mr. Singh. As Mr. Reddy prepares to plant his rice for the winter, he expresses hope for the expansion of climate-resilient seeds on his farm and stresses the need for fair prices post-harvest to bolster farmers’ livelihoods: “It’s good to keep trying new seeds. If the government can also make sure we get good prices for our crops after harvest, that would help farmers like us a great deal.”
The increasing challenges posed by climate change necessitate urgent innovations in agriculture, particularly in countries like India that are heavily reliant on staple crops such as rice and wheat. These crops are not only essential for local consumption but also for international markets. The unpredictability of weather patterns, including erratic rainfall and temperature fluctuations, has led to significant risks for farmers dependent on conventional farming methods. In response, agricultural research organizations are developing climate-resilient seed varieties that can cope with environmental stresses, ensuring food security for the nation’s vast population. Moreover, insights from experts underline that both scientific advancement and effective government policies are indispensable to facilitate access to these innovations and support farmers’ adoption of resilient practices.
In summary, addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture is imperative for India’s food security and economic stability. Through the development of climate-resilient seed varieties and the promotion of best practices, the Indian government, along with agricultural scientists, are striving to enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers. While challenges remain regarding access and affordability of these innovations, cooperation between government, research institutions, and farmers can foster a more secure agricultural future.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
