Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
diverse impacts on agro ecosystems and therefore on crops, livestock,
pests and pathogens. The physiological response of crop plants to chang-
ing climate is expected to be varied on growing period, chiling require-
ments, flowering, fruiting, ripening, maturity and senescence. The nature
of changes may be uncertain but what is certain is that changing environ-
mental parameters are highly likely to affect agro ecosystems.
19.2.2.1 MONSOON
About 60% of net sown area of the country is under rainfed agro-ecolo-
gy which is depending on southeast and north east monsoon hence any
change and shift in the occurrence of monsoon pattern directly affect the
crop success and productivity. Timely arrival of the monsoon is crucial for
food production, economy and livelihood of the country which is mainly
agriculture dependent. The impact of climate change has gradually shifted
summer monsoon and delayed its onset. The delay in onset of monsoon
has shortened growing period of rainfed crops which adversely affect
their growth and development. Pre-monsoon rainfall disruptions and oc-
currence of dry spells during growing period imposed water stress to the
rainfed crops. For example, the Chhattisgarh region in the past years has
received half its usual amount of water during the months of May and
June, seriously affecting rice production as well as others crop production
like pulses, oilseeds, sugar crops and vegetable crops.
19.2.2.2
MELTING GLACIERS
Glaciers play an important role in regulation of climate and weather of
the region which is very important for agricultural and its allied activities.
Glaciers are important for maintaining integrity in ecosystem and feeding
water in rivers, thus providing water for agriculture. India relies heavily on
the Himalayan Rivers to meet irrigation requirements for the crops grown
in their command area. The hydrological characteristics of Himalayan re-
gion have already undergone significant changes as a result of climate
change and anthropogenic activities which has resulted in increased vari-
ability in rainfall and surface water runoff, landslides, frequent hydrologi-
cal disasters and the pollution in reservoirs of lakes and watersheds. The
increase in temperature causes high rainfall and glacial meltdown which
