Monsoons, crucial for crop growth, have become unpredictable, leading to droughts or floods in different regions. This uncertainty hampers farmers’ ability to plan and cultivate effectively, jeopardizing crop yields. Rising temperatures exacerbate water stress, affecting crops like rice and wheat that require substantial irrigation. In turn, this jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions of farmers, many of whom rely on rain-fed agriculture.
source:- the times of India
Extreme weather events, such as cyclones and unseasonal rains, bring additional challenges. They not only damage standing crops but also disrupt post-harvest activities, affecting storage and transportation. This volatility contributes to food shortages and price fluctuations, impacting not only farmers but also consumers and the broader economy.
Moreover, the changing climate facilitates the spread of pests and diseases, affecting crop health. Traditional farming practices are often ill-equipped to handle these emerging challenges, leading to yield losses and increased use of pesticides, which further strains the environment.
India’s economic landscape is intricately tied to agriculture, with a significant portion of the population dependent on this sector. Reduced agricultural productivity ripples through the economy, impacting food supply chains, agribusinesses, and related industries. The overall GDP is vulnerable to these fluctuations, as agriculture contributes substantially to the country’s economic output.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties. International cooperation is also essential to mitigate the global impacts of climate change. Failure to act decisively could lead to a dire scenario where India’s agricultural backbone continues to weaken, threatening the very foundation of the nation’s food security and economic stability.
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