Relevance for UPSC: GS III (Agriculture, Climate Change); Source: Indian Express, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Context

Indian agriculture is under growing stress from heatwaves, erratic monsoons, floods, droughts, and declining soil health. 

About 51 percent of net sown area is rainfed, contributing nearly 40 percent of national food production, making food security highly vulnerable to climate variability. Conventional high-input farming is increasingly unsustainable.

What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Climate-resilient agriculture aims to maintain farm productivity, incomes, and ecological balance by adapting crops, practices, and institutions to climate risks while reducing environmental damage.

Key Pillars 

• Climate-tolerant crops: Heat, drought, flood and salinity tolerant varieties developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Soil and bio-inputs: Biofertilizers and biopesticides to restore soil fertility and reduce chemical dependence
• Water-efficient practices: Direct-seeded rice, zero tillage, micro-irrigation
• Climate services: Weather-based advisories and digital decision support
• Institutional support: National Innovations in Climate-Resilient Agriculture, covering more than 400 climate-vulnerable villages

Conclusion

Climate-resilient agriculture is essential to secure India’s food systems, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in a warming world.

Q. Climate-resilient agriculture primarily focuses on:
A. Maximising short-term yields
B. Adapting farming systems to climate variability
C. Eliminating rainfed agriculture
D. Increasing fertiliser subsidies

Correct Answer: B