Lok Sabha Question No. 1364 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-11
Subject: Report on Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. K Sudhakar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1364

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025

## REPORT ON IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE

1364.  DR. K SUDHAKAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any study report on the impact of climate change on agriculture in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is true that agrarian communities of Karnataka has been worsely affected by natural disasters during the last few decades and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of steps taken by the Government to ensure that climate change such as heat waves and droughts may not affect farmers of Karnataka;
- (d) whether any technological interventions are being planned by the Government for the farmers to provide early warning of impending heat waves, droughts, storm or any other natural disasters and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  manner  in  which  climate  change  affected  farmers  of  Karnataka  especially Chikkaballapur during the last ten years?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a): The Government through ICAR flagship network project 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) conducted a District-level risk and vulnerability assessment of agriculture to climate change for 651 predominantly agricultural districts as per Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change  (IPCC)  protocols.  A  total  of  109  districts  are categorized as 'very high' and 201 districts as 'highly' vulnerable.

NICRA also  assessed  the  impact  of  climate  change  on  crop  yields  using  simulation models in the country. The study indicated that rainfed rice yield projected to reduce by 20% in 2050 and 47% in 2080, while irrigated rice yield reduce by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080. The wheat yield projected to reduce by 19.3% in 2050 and 40% in 2080; maize yield may reduce by 18% in 2050 and 23% in 2080.

(b):   Karnataka is majorly a rainfed agrarian, affected largely with droughts. National Rainfed Area Authority,  New Delhi  identified  24  drought  Vulnerable  districts  in  the  country,  among which 16 are located in Karnataka. Although state receives good rainfall normally, its erratic distribution both spatially and temporally affected agrarian communities of Karnataka.

Analysis of the drought declaration in the state of Karnataka indicated 16 years out of 23 years (2001 to 2023) declared drought years. Floods are also increasing since 2018 in Cauvery and  Krishna  basin.  The  hail-storm  damage  specially  in  Northern  and  Eastern  dry  zone  of Karnataka  is  affecting  horticultural  crops.  The  heat  wave  incidences  are  extending  to  the southern part.

(c): The  Government  has  taken  several  steps  towards  mitigation  of  adverse  impact  of climate change on agriculture in the country including Karnataka. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) provides an overarching policy framework to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance ecological sustainability. One of the National Missions under NAPCC is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which implements strategies to make agriculture more resilient to the changing climate. Several schemes have also been initiated under NMSA to deal with the adverse climate situations. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme increases water use efficiency at the farm level through micro irrigation technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Rainfed Area Development focuses on Integrated Farming System for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability. The Soil Health & Fertility scheme assists states in promoting integrated nutrient management through judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micronutrients in conjunction with organic manures & bio-fertilizers for improving soil health and  its  productivity.  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture,  Agroforestry  & National  Bamboo  Mission  also  promote  climate  resilience  in  agriculture.  Further,  Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana along with weather index based Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme provide a comprehensive insurance cover against crop failure by providing financial  support  to  farmers  suffering  crop  loss/damage  arising  out  of  unforeseen  natural calamities.

(d): Weather alerts  are  issued  through  IMD  and  state  Disaster  Monitoring  units.  IMD  in collaboration  with  ICAR  and  State Agricultural  Universities  initiated  GKMS  (Gramin  Krishi Mausum  Seva)  for  providing  Agro-Met  Advisory  Services  (AAS)  to  the  farmers.  These advisories are issued biweekly (Tuesday and Friday) considering the medium range weather forecast and crop situation. IMD is also issuing Seasonal weather forecast for monsoon, which help the farmers in crop selection and other stakeholders to plan their activities.

Government  of  India  has  implemented  the  District  Agricultural  Contingency  Plan (DACP)  prepared  for  651  Districts  of  the  country  and  recommends  location  specific technological  interventions  viz.  climate  resilient  crops  and  varieties  and  management practices for use by farmers.

(e): Studies  conducted  by All  India  Coordinated  Research  Project  on Agrometeorology indicated a temperature increase of around 1.5ºC and changed rainfall distribution as premonsoon  showers  (April  -  May)  are  increasing  and  rains  during  early  Kharif  (June)  is decreasing in Chikkaballapur. The Technology Demonstration Component of NICRA has been implemented  in  Chikkaballapur  through  KVK,  Chintamani  for  climate  resilient  agriculture practices to reduce the effect of climate change.

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