Adaptation and Mitigation: Centre’s Twin Strategy for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

 

Adaptation and Mitigation: Centre’s Twin Strategy for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

A Warming World

2024 became the first year when the Earth's average temperature crossed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). 

Experts warn that if emissions remain unchecked, the world could exceed 2°C warming by 2050, threatening food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

At 15.1°C, (refers to the average global surface temperature of the Earth in the year 2024) was the hottest year ever recorded, with 11 out of 12 months crossing the 1.5°C threshold. This extreme heat was fuelled by El Niño conditions and the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

 Scientists like Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Prof. Joeri Rogelj from Imperial College London warn that the trend is deeply troubling. It highlights the urgent need for global decarbonisation to prevent even more dangerous levels of warming.

The Need for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change. Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, frequent droughts, and floods are already impacting crop yields and farmer incomes. In this context, building climate-resilient agriculture is no longer optional-it is essential for food security and rural sustainability.

Shaping Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Govt’s Call at The Hindu Business Line Agri and Commodity Summit 2025

The Hindu BusinessLine Agri and Commodity Summit 2025, held on January 10, 2025, at Hotel Leela Palace, New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders to discuss climate impacts on agriculture. The theme was, "Shaping agriculture and agri-business in a changing climate", reflected the urgency of the issue.

Speaking at the summit, Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized a two-pronged strategy-adaptation and mitigation:

•  Adaptation measures: Development of drought- and flood-resistant crops, promoting efficient water use, and expanding crop insurance to protect farmers during extreme weather events.
• Mitigation strategies: Encouraging natural farming to reduce chemical inputs, improving soil health, and incentivizing climate-smart practices through carbon markets.

Strengthening Grassroots Institutions

Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Union Cooperation Ministry, highlighted the critical role of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) in building climate resilience. He announced government plans to:

•  Develop 2 lakh multi-purpose PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies)
• Establish 70,000 grain storage points to cut transport costs and boost procurement efficiency at the village level

NABARD’s Four-Pillar Strategy for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. outlined a comprehensive framework to support climate-resilient agriculture, built on four key pillars:

• Green Lending – Expanding financial support for eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
•  Access to Climate Data – Providing timely and accurate information to farmers and institutions to make informed decisions.
• Internal Green Transformation – Greening NABARD’s own operations and aligning its internal practices with sustainability goals.
• Resource Mobilization – Raising funds and investing in climate-resilient initiatives across the agriculture sector.

The summit also featured discussions on key issues like new seed technologies, digitization, bioenergy, and price risk management. A highlight was the participation of “drone didis” and “solar didis”, rural women innovators who showcased how technology is empowering villages and contributing to climate-smart farming.

The Path Ahead

The data from 2024 makes it clear, climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here, and it is affecting lives and livelihoods, especially in agriculture. Events like the Agri and Commodity Summit 2025 provide a platform for urgent dialogue and action. With coordinated efforts in adaptation, mitigation, innovation, and finance, India can lead the way in building a resilient agricultural future.

 

Reference: The Hindu News, January 2025

Data from Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).