Adverse impact of climate change? 43% of farmers found half of their standing crops damaged

By Vikas Meshram* 

Climate change poses a significant threat to Indian agriculture, with far-reaching consequences. Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy and sustains a large portion of its population. Most farmers in India depend on agriculture for their livelihood. However, climate change has brought significant challenges for them.

Climate change has led to increased temperatures, irregular rainfall, droughts, floods, and hailstorms. Among these, rising temperatures are the most critical issue. Higher temperatures have reduced crop yields and affected the quality of produce. Some crops cannot withstand the increased temperatures, leading to decreased production.

Irregular rainfall has become a major challenge for farmers. In some areas, there is a deficiency of rain, while in others, there is excessive rainfall. Low rainfall leads to insufficient soil moisture, causing crops to wither. On the other hand, excessive rainfall leads to floods, damaging crops. Both situations result in substantial losses for farmers.

Drought is another severe problem exacerbated by climate change. Droughts cause water shortages, making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops. As a result, crops dry up, leading to reduced yields. This causes economic losses for farmers and threatens their livelihoods.

Climate change has also intensified natural disasters like hailstorms and floods. These events cause significant damage to crops, reducing yields and causing financial losses for farmers. The impact of climate change on agriculture has become a significant challenge. 

Changes in the monsoon patterns, with early or delayed rains, adversely affect farming. In recent years, farmers have faced uncertainty in crop production due to shifting climate patterns. The past decade has seen fluctuations in crop yields, sometimes leading to high production and at other times to low production. The damage caused by climate change is now evident.

According to a survey conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) in collaboration with the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FED), approximately 43% of the farmers surveyed experienced at least half of their standing crops being damaged. Irregular rainfall has particularly affected crops like rice, vegetables, and pulses. The survey highlights that in some regions, excess water submerges rice seedlings for over a week, destroying newly planted crops. 

Meanwhile, in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and West Bengal, delayed sowing of rice, maize, cotton, soybeans, groundnuts, and various pulses has occurred due to insufficient rainfall.

In the last two to three years, high temperatures have affected crop growth in various states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In 2022, high temperatures impacted wheat production, reducing it from 109.59 million tons in 2021 to 107.7 million tons. This forced the country, the world's second-largest wheat producer, to halt exports. 

In 2023, high temperatures also affected wheat production, leading to a shortfall of about 3 million tons compared to the target. The adverse effects of climate change on agriculture need urgent attention. Farmers, already dissatisfied due to inconsistent incomes, might face increased despair if their earnings further decline. This could lead to various social issues, including food insecurity.

Survey results indicate that in the past five years, adverse weather events have caused crop losses for 80% of marginal farmers in India. The survey covered 6,615 farmers across 21 states, revealing that drought (41%) and irregular rainfall (32%) are the primary causes of crop damage.

Climate change is a global challenge with widespread impacts across various sectors, including agriculture. Millions of farmers are affected by its adverse effects. A recent survey highlights the significant impact of climate change on farming, showing that 80% of marginal farmers in India have suffered crop losses in the past five years. 

Experts have long warned about the dangers of climate change, but the issue hasn't received the seriousness it warrants

Experts have long warned about the dangers of climate change, but the issue hasn't received the seriousness it warrants. While discussions on climate change have begun, substantial measures to address the problem are lacking. We all know that climate change is altering rainfall patterns, leading to either excessive rain or droughts, which affect crop production. In the past two to three years, high temperatures have hampered crop growth. 

Many crops, like wheat, cannot tolerate extreme heat, resulting in reduced yields. High temperatures and humidity have also increased the prevalence of pests and diseases. In northern India's cotton belt, pink bollworms have been destroying crops for several years. Managing known diseases has become challenging for the agriculture department. 

Additionally, climate change might introduce new diseases that farmers are unprepared for. Experts say that climate change is causing significant damage to agriculture, including drought conditions in various parts of the country, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and a consequent decline in water levels. In areas with excessive rainfall, soil erosion reduces soil fertility, potentially leading to future food shortages.

The government must provide financial assistance and insurance protection to farmers. Immediate financial aid should be available for crop losses, and concessional loans should be accessible for farming. Research and development are needed to develop new technologies that help farmers adapt to climate change. Environmentally friendly technologies can help increase crop production.

In conclusion, climate change poses a severe threat to Indian agriculture. To overcome this challenge, collaborative efforts from farmers, the government, and the scientific community are essential. 

Utilizing modern technology, raising awareness, and fostering cooperation are key to ensuring a bright future for Indian agriculture.

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*Social worker and activist working for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities