India’s agricultural sector, the backbone of rural livelihood and food security, is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. With monsoons arriving late and temperatures steadily rising, staple crops like wheat and rice are under increasing pressure. Meanwhile, scientists and farmers are turning toward drought-resistant crop innovations in a bid to adapt and survive.
Delayed Monsoons Disrupt Sowing Cycles
The monsoon, which typically begins in June and is vital for sowing kharif crops like rice, pulses, and maize, has seen erratic patterns in recent years. In several states across central and northern India, monsoon rains have arrived weeks late, disrupting the traditional sowing calendar. This not only shortens the growing window but also affects seed germination and reduces yields.
Farmers in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have reported having to re-sow crops or shift to less water-dependent varieties. Such delays also escalate input costs, strain groundwater resources, and create long-term instability in the agricultural cycle.
Rising Temperatures Threaten Wheat and Rice Yields
India’s wheat, largely grown during the rabi season, is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures during the grain-filling stage. A slight increase in temperatures above the optimal range of 20–25°C can significantly reduce grain quality and yield. The 2022 and 2023 seasons witnessed heatwaves during March and April, leading to reduced wheat output, impacting both domestic supply and export potential.
Rice, while more heat-tolerant than wheat, is facing its own set of problems. Higher night-time temperatures, a phenomenon associated with climate change, are known to lower rice yields by affecting grain formation. Moreover, rice cultivation is water-intensive, and with delayed rains and drying reservoirs, farmers are increasingly concerned about irrigation.
Drought-Resistant Crops: Hope Amid Crisis
Amidst these challenges, agricultural scientists are pushing forward with research and field trials of drought-resistant crops. Varieties of millets, pulses, and even genetically improved rice and wheat are being developed to thrive in conditions of limited water and higher temperatures.
Institutes like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agricultural universities are promoting climate-resilient farming techniques, including crop rotation, use of organic mulch, and efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
One notable example is the introduction of drought-resistant rice varieties such as Sahbhagi Dhan, which can withstand prolonged dry spells. Similarly, heat-tolerant wheat strains are under trial in Punjab and Haryana, aimed at protecting yields from early summer heat.
The Way Forward
Adapting to climate change will require a holistic approach, combining traditional wisdom with scientific innovation. Timely weather forecasting, better irrigation infrastructure, financial support for crop diversification, and education of farmers on climate-resilient practices are essential to safeguarding India's agricultural future.
As the monsoons grow more unpredictable and temperatures continue to climb, India’s farmers find themselves on the frontline of climate change. Their resilience and ability to adapt will shape not just their own livelihoods, but the food security of the entire nation.