Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Global horticulture has several challenges and opportunities. However, a
new challenge, that is, climate change has drawn the attention of horticul-
turists worldwide. Climate change refers to a change in the state of climate
that can be identified and persists for an extended period. United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate
change, as a change of climate, which is attributed directly or indirectly to
human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and
which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over compara-
ble periods. Change in Indian climate is consistent with global trends over
the last 50 years and represents a serious threat to the health, environment,
agriculture, and economy of the country and its residents.
1.2
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
1.2.1 GREEN HOUSE GASES
Increase in the concentration or amount of greenhouse gases in the atmo-
sphere is one of the prime causes for climate change. Major greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulpherdioxide, etc.,
are increasing in the atmosphere and rendering increase in global tem-
perature. Agriculture contributes to global green house gas emission in the
form of methane (CH
4
), nitrous oxide (N
2
O) and small quantity of carbon
dioxide (CO
2
). About 50% of total CH
4
emissions are from agricultural sec-
tor. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial
processes, and some agricultural practices have released large amounts of
green house gases into the atmosphere. Ozone depletion is evident owing
to manmade interventions like coolants in industrial and commercial op-
erations. Production of energy-intensive agro-chemicals including fertil-
izers that add 0.6-1.2% of worlds' total CHG. After fossil fuel use, land
use change and forestry, especially deforestation and degradation, are the
next largest emitters of CO
2
(Baumert et al., 2009). CO2 is responsible for
77% of global warming over a 100-year period and hence the most impor-
tant GHG (Climate Analysis Indicators Tool, 2011). Fast dwindling forest
cover is not only adversely affecting biodiversity of horticultural crops
but also creating an imbalance in atmospheric equilibrium (e.g., Western
