Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
of global warming, impacting agricultural production and hence
the nations' food security. Global warming due to the greenhouse
effect is expected to impact the hydrological cycle, namely, pre-
cipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and so forth, which
would pose new challenges for agriculture.
10.2
Climate change impacting agriculture in India:
As per Dr. Swaminathan
The impact of climate change on the farm sector would be pro-
found and 1°C rise in temperature could lead to wheat yield
losses of around 6 million tonnes per year in India. 'Climate
change is impacting agriculture in countries like India. For one
degree rise in temperature in areas like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab
and Haryana could amount to a loss of about 6 million tonnes
of wheat annually', said Swaminathan, while delivering a lec-
ture on sustainable development. Climate change has a different
meaning for different parts of the globe. Canada may benefit as
the rise in temperature will allow them to grow more crops, but it
would have an opposite effect in India. In India, climate change
impact could be in terms of high temperature and rise in sea
levels. Temperature not only affects the grain output but is also
critical in terms of grain filling and pest attack. Suggesting steps
to counter climate change, India should utilise its panchayati raj
system effectively. 'One woman and one male member of every
panchayat should be trained to become Climate Risk Managers
who would be taught about various aspects related to the phe-
nomenon', he said, adding that every farm should have a biogas
plant and pond to check emission and ensure energy and water
security. Crops to be classified into those that are climate resil-
ient and those that are climate sensitive, for instance, wheat is a
climate-sensitive crop, while rice shows a wide range of adapta-
tion in terms of growing conditions. Sharing similar concerns,
the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) chairman Bhaskar Rao said
that agriculture is as important as corruption and no nation can
be at peace if the disparities between the haves and the have-
nots are huge. Swaminathan's lecture was part of the CMS-
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library national lecture series
on challenging issues in contemporary India. The vulnerability
of Indian agriculture to climate change is well acknowledged.
But what is not fully appreciated is the impact this will have on
rain-fed (non-irrigated) agriculture, practiced mostly by small
and marginal farmers who will suffer the most. The crops that
may be hit include pulses and oilseeds, among others. These
