digantsharma Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s already transforming agriculture across India. From erratic rainfall and rising temperatures to increased pest outbreaks and declining soil health, Indian farmers are facing the brunt of a crisis that is becoming more intense each year. As the world’s most climate-vulnerable population of smallholder farmers, India’s agrarian sector is at a critical turning point.
🌡️ Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves
Over the past decade, average temperatures across India’s agricultural zones have risen by up to 0.7°C. In 2024 alone, states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed record-breaking heatwaves, with maximum temperatures exceeding 45°C for prolonged periods. These extremes are not just uncomfortable—they reduce yields of temperature-sensitive crops like wheat, mustard, and pulses.
Wheat farmers, in particular, are seeing their harvest windows shrink, leading to lower grain weight and quality, especially in northern India. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), wheat yields could drop by 6–8% for every 1°C rise in average temperature.
🌧️ Unpredictable Rainfall and Flooding
Climate models and recent IMD data confirm a trend of intense but erratic rainfall. Instead of steady monsoon showers, farmers are experiencing long dry spells followed by sudden deluges. This has led to:
- Poor germination of kharif crops
- Increased runoff and erosion
- Loss of topsoil and nutrients
- Frequent localized flooding
In 2023, states like Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha reported severe crop losses due to flash floods, affecting over 1.5 million hectares of cultivated land.
🐛 Pest and Disease Outbreaks on the Rise
Warmer climates are also encouraging the spread of pests and crop diseases into new areas. For example, the Fall Armyworm, once limited to southern states, has now been spotted as far north as Haryana and Bihar, devastating maize and sugarcane crops.
Similarly, higher humidity has led to fungal infestations in rice and fruit crops, reducing quality and storage life.
🌱 Farmer Adaptation: Resilient Practices on the Rise
Despite the challenges, farmers are beginning to adapt. Across the country, there is increasing uptake of:
- Climate-resilient crop varieties
- Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems
- Agroforestry and mixed cropping
- Soil health cards and organic practices
Government schemes like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and platforms like Kisan Call Centres are playing a vital role in awareness and training.
📉 The Road Ahead
India’s agricultural future will depend on how well it can adapt to these shifting climate realities. Investing in climate-smart technologies, improving irrigation efficiency, and building better early warning systems must become top priorities.
Climate change is here, and the time to act is now—not just to protect crops, but to secure livelihoods and national food security.
