Examine the role of adaptive farming measures in mitigating the impact of climate change on staple crop yields. What are the limitations of such approaches, and how can India’s agricultural policy evolve?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. Examine the role of adaptive farming measures in mitigating the impact of climate change on staple crop yields. What are the limitations of such approaches, and how can India’s agricultural policy evolve? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question: For every 1º C rise in average temperature worldwide, the per person availability of calories will fall 4% of what’s recommended by 2100. Most major staple crops, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, and soybean, will see diminished yields by 2050 as well as 2100 Key demand of the question: To analyse the role of adaptive farming in reducing climate risks to staple crops, identify the limitations of current approaches, and suggest how India’s agricultural policy should evolve. Structure of the answer: Introduction: State the ongoing impact of climate change on India’s staple crop yields and why adaptive farming is emerging as a crucial response. Body: Role of adaptive farming: stress-tolerant varieties, change in sowing dates, water-efficient practices, crop diversification, ICT-based advisories. Limitations: residual yield losses, socio-economic inequalities, extension gaps, technology adoption delays, low R&D investment. Policy evolution: mainstream resilience in missions, increase R&D, strengthen extension systems, promote agroecological farming, improve risk financing. Conclusion: Call for system-wide agricultural reforms and innovation to ensure food and nutrition security in the face of climate change.
Why the question: For every 1º C rise in average temperature worldwide, the per person availability of calories will fall 4% of what’s recommended by 2100. Most major staple crops, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, and soybean, will see diminished yields by 2050 as well as 2100
Key demand of the question: To analyse the role of adaptive farming in reducing climate risks to staple crops, identify the limitations of current approaches, and suggest how India’s agricultural policy should evolve.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: State the ongoing impact of climate change on India’s staple crop yields and why adaptive farming is emerging as a crucial response.
• Role of adaptive farming: stress-tolerant varieties, change in sowing dates, water-efficient practices, crop diversification, ICT-based advisories.
• Limitations: residual yield losses, socio-economic inequalities, extension gaps, technology adoption delays, low R&D investment.
• Policy evolution: mainstream resilience in missions, increase R&D, strengthen extension systems, promote agroecological farming, improve risk financing.
Conclusion: Call for system-wide agricultural reforms and innovation to ensure food and nutrition security in the face of climate change.