Need for Climate smart agriculture in India

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This Post is based on the article "Need for Climate Smart Agriculture in India" Which is Published in the The Hindu on 25th November 2023. 

Introduction:

  • The 21st century confronts humanity with two paramount challenges: climate change and food insecurity.
  • Ongoing climate-related impacts, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, are adversely affecting lives and livelihoods globally.

Challenges for Agriculture:

  • Severe droughts in the southern continents, including India, are negatively impacting agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods.
  • Population growth and dietary changes are escalating the demand for food, placing additional strain on traditional farming practices.
  • Climate change is rendering traditional farming less productive, necessitating farmers to reevaluate their methods.

Adapting to Climate Change:

  • Farmers worldwide are adopting adaptation measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
  • Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) emerges as a holistic framework, addressing the dual challenges of adaptation and mitigation.

Pillars of Climate-Smart Agriculture:

  • Defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2019, CSA comprises three pillars: 
      1. sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes; 
      2. Adapt and build resilience to climate change 
      3. reducing/removing greenhouse gas emissions.

    • Dimensions of climate-smart practices include water-smart, weather-smart, energy-smart, and carbon-smart practices.

    Future Impacts on Agricultural Productivity:

    • In India, climate change could lead to a substantial decline (up to 9%) in crop yields by 2039.
    • A radical reform of the agriculture industry is essential to combat climate change and sustainably increase agricultural output.

    National Initiatives:

    • The National Action Plan on Climate Change emphasises the role of climate-resilient agriculture in India's adaptation measures.
    • Programs like the Soil Health Card Scheme utilise precision nutrient management for optimising agricultural methods.

    Community-Supported Efforts:

    • CSA's value in minimising and adapting to the effects of climate change on agriculture is globally acknowledged.
    • Community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide aim to create resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural systems.

    Economic Autonomy and Social Impact:

    • CSA not only increases resilience to climate-related risks but also brings about economic autonomy for farmers.
    • Adoption of climate-smart techniques can benefit farmers, especially those already disadvantaged.

    Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity:

    • CSA's ecosystem-based approach helps cropland and wild regions coexist, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    • Collaborative efforts under CSA safeguard native plant species, stabilize pollinator populations, and mitigate habitat degradation.

    Reducing GHG Emissions:

    • The agricultural sector contributes 17% of greenhouse gas emissions, making CSA crucial for lowering emissions and protecting biodiversity.
    • CSA measures like agroforestry and carbon sequestration align with global efforts to combat climate change.

    Flexible Concept and Localised Responses:

    • CSA is a flexible concept with a wide range of potential applications, requiring localised responses to effectively address global warming.
    • Investment in capacity-building programs and practical CSA tools and knowledge is crucial.

    Indian Context and Government Initiatives:

    • India, with a majority of small and marginal farmers, stands at a unique juncture where CSA adoption is essential.
    • Government initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change and others focus on promoting CSA.

    Conclusion:

    • CSA has the potential to ensure food security, empower farmers, and protect ecosystems by merging innovation, resilience, and sustainability.
    • In the face of a changing climate, CSA stands as an inspiration and transformative force for a sustainable future.

    Important Terms:

    Climate Smart Agriculture:

    Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a holistic approach that transforms food and agriculture systems to enhance sustainable development, ensuring food security, adapting to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions where possible.

    Practice Question:

    Q. "In the context of India's agricultural challenges, discuss the significance of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and its role in mitigating climate change, ensuring food security, and empowering farmers."

    Answer in comment Section .... 

    Location: Karnataka, India

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