NEW DELHI: India’s agriculture sector could face up to 25% yield losses due to climate-related disruptions, according to a new report by a farmers’ body. It called for targeted policy action to improve adoption of climate-resilient technologies among small and marginal farmers, according to a report by a farmers’ body.
Stating that weather events such as erratic rainfall, unseasonal droughts, temperature spikes and rising pest incidence are major threats disrupting crop cycles across states, the report by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) on Wednesday has called increasing investment in climate-resilient agricultural technologies as the existing system has inadequate infrastructure.
A study titled ‘nourishing the future: a report on climate-resilient agriculture’ has stressed on the urgent need for sustainable farming practices to counter climate change impacts and cited high initial costs, fragmented infrastructure and low farmer awareness as key barriers of widespread adoption with regard to sustainable farming practices.
It called for targeted subsidies for renewable energy, micro-irrigation and organic inputs, while advocating for large-scale adoption of conservation agriculture and integrated farming systems.
The study stressed on increased public investment in research and development for climate-resilient seed varieties, expanded farmer training programmes, and promotion of precision agriculture tools.
The report identified erratic rainfall, unseasonal droughts, temperature spikes and rising pest incidence as key threats disrupting crops major agricultural states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. “Soil degradation, rising input costs, and falling water tables are putting significant pressure on farm productivity and incomes,” Murali Babu, General Secretary, FAIFA said.
While acknowledging existing government schemes such as the crop insurance programme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and micro-irrigation initiatives, the study identified implementation gaps, including high initial costs, fragmented infrastructure, and low farmer awareness.
The report emphasised the need for collaboration between policymakers, research institutions and private stakeholders to scale climate-smart agriculture practices across India’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Source: The Financial Express
