{"id":39791,"date":"2025-03-25T19:29:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T13:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=39791"},"modified":"2025-03-25T21:26:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T15:56:14","slug":"changing-rainfall-patterns-threaten-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/editorial-analysis\/25-03-2025\/changing-rainfall-patterns-threaten-agriculture","title":{"rendered":"Changing Rainfall Patterns Threaten Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Agriculture; Climate Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including the alteration in rainfall patterns, which disrupts traditional farming practices and threatens food security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Overview of Indian Agriculture (2025)<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Performance of the Agriculture Sector:<\/strong><br>1. <strong>Growth Rate: <\/strong>3.5% in the second quarter of FY25;<br>2. <strong>Contribution to GDP:<\/strong> Approximately 16% to India&#8217;s GDP;<br>3. <strong>Workforce: <\/strong>Nearly 46% of the population;<br><strong>Increased Budget Allocation:<\/strong><br>1. <strong>Union Budget 2025:<\/strong> \u20b91.52 trillion to the agriculture and allied sectors (increase from \u20b91.22 trillion in the previous fiscal year).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Impacts of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rising Temperatures and Declining Yields:<\/strong> Studies suggest that for every 1\u00b0C rise in temperature, wheat yields could decline by 4-5%, while rice and maize could suffer similar losses.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rainfed rice yields in India could decrease by up to 47% by 2080 if adaptation measures are not implemented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>According to the <strong>World Economic Forum (2024)<\/strong>, India\u2019s economy could suffer a <strong>16% drop in agricultural output by 2030<\/strong>, which would translate to a <strong>2.8% GDP loss.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In Punjab and Haryana<\/strong>, unseasonal rains have led to lower wheat production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In Maharashtra<\/strong>, erratic rainfall patterns have impacted sugarcane and cotton yields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flood-prone states like <strong>Bihar and Assam <\/strong>have seen paddy crops destroyed by excessive monsoon rains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Erratic Rainfall Patterns:<\/strong> The <strong>Indian monsoon<\/strong>(accounts for nearly 70% of the country&#8217;s annual rainfall) has become increasingly unpredictable.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delayed or deficient monsoons lead to late sowing, affecting crop cycles and yields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excess rainfall causes waterlogging, damaging crops like paddy and sugarcane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events:<\/strong> More frequent droughts are reducing water availability for irrigation.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cyclones in coastal states such as Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh damage crops and disrupt supply chains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hailstorms and unseasonal rains destroy standing crops, leading to financial losses for farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>According to the <strong>World Economic Forum (WEF)<\/strong>, India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops due to excess rains and an additional 35 million hectares due to drought between 2015 and 2021.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil Degradation and Loss of Fertility:<\/strong> Increased soil erosion due to heavy rains and flooding.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher temperatures accelerate soil nutrient depletion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased salinity in coastal areas due to rising sea levels negatively affects soil quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water Scarcity and Irrigation Challenges:<\/strong> Over 50% of India\u2019s agriculture depends on monsoons, making it highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declining groundwater levels in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan threaten irrigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive groundwater extraction has led to alarming depletion levels, especially in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pest and Disease Outbreaks:<\/strong> Rising temperatures create a favorable environment for pests like the fall armyworm and locusts, which destroy crops.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher humidity increases fungal and bacterial diseases in crops such as wheat, rice, and vegetables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government Response and Policy Measures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)<\/strong>: Includes the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to promote climate-resilient farming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):<\/strong> Focuses on improving water efficiency in irrigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil Health Card Scheme:<\/strong> Helps farmers monitor soil nutrients and improve fertility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crop Insurance Schemes:<\/strong> Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides financial protection against crop losses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of Climate-Resilient Crops:<\/strong> Research institutions are developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE):<\/strong> It focuses on disseminating knowledge, improving farm practices, and <strong>promoting sustainability.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):<\/strong> It emphasizes climate-resilient farming practices, addressing the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):<\/strong> Supports climate-resilient infrastructure and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):<\/strong> Encourages organic farming as a sustainable adaptation strategy to climate variability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Systems:<\/strong> The IMD has enhanced its forecasting capabilities to provide accurate and timely weather updates, helping farmers plan better.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Climate Proofing Strategies For Agriculture in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Climate-Smart Crop Varieties: <\/strong>Development of drought-resistant, flood-resistant, and heat-tolerant crop varieties by institutions like Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promotion of traditional and indigenous crop varieties that are naturally resilient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainable Water Management:<\/strong> Adoption of micro-irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation to improve water use efficiency.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watershed management and rainwater harvesting to mitigate water stress in dry regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotion of <strong>System of Rice Intensification (SRI)<\/strong> to reduce water consumption in paddy cultivation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Agroforestry and Soil Conservation:<\/strong> Encouraging agroforestry models where trees are integrated into farmlands to enhance carbon sequestration and soil fertility.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Zero-tillage farming<\/strong> and cover cropping to maintain soil health and prevent erosion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of organic fertilizers and biochar to enhance soil resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital and Technological Interventions:<\/strong> Use of AI-based weather forecasting and mobile advisory services to help farmers prepare for adverse weather conditions.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Precision farming using drones and sensors to optimize resource use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>E-marketing platforms like eNAM<\/strong> to provide better price realization and reduce climate-induced income shocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Livelihood Diversification &amp; Crop Insurance:<\/strong> Promoting integrated farming systems (livestock, fisheries, and horticulture) to reduce sole dependency on crops.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthening Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to provide financial security against climate-related crop losses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Policy Support:<\/strong> Government initiatives like the <strong>National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)<\/strong> focus on research, capacity building, and technology dissemination to address climate challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Case Studies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NICRA Villages<\/strong>: NICRA program has demonstrated climate-proofing techniques in over 446 villages, showcasing the effectiveness of integrated approaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate-Smart Farming:<\/strong> Initiatives by organizations like the <strong>Environmental Defense Fund<\/strong> have promoted low-carbon farming practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing rainfall patterns pose a significant threat to agriculture, demanding urgent action to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farmers and ensure food security.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By adopting climate-resilient practices, improving water management, and supporting farmers through policy interventions, India can mitigate the impact of climate change on its agricultural sector.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The journey toward sustainable farming is challenging but essential for the nation&#8217;s future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Daily Mains Practice Question<\/strong><br><strong>[Q]<\/strong> How can governments and farmers collaborate to adapt to changing rainfall patterns and mitigate the challenges posed by climate change to agricultural sustainability?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/opinion\/editorial\/climate-concerns-changing-rainfall-patterns-threaten-agriculture-125032401406_1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Source: BS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/UPSC-Editorial-Analysis-25-March-2025.pdf.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including the alteration in rainfall patterns, which disrupts traditional farming practices and threatens food security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-editorial-analysis"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39791"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39813,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39791\/revisions\/39813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}