Scientists in India are addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture by developing resilient seed varieties, particularly for rice and wheat, which are essential crops in the country. Farmers are beginning to adopt these improved seeds, which can withstand extreme weather, conserve water, and resist diseases. The Indian government and research organizations are actively promoting these seeds in response to growing food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. Ensuring that farmers have access to, and are trained in the use of these seeds, is essential for their successful implementation.
In India, scientists and agricultural organizations are responding to the adverse effects of climate change by developing more resilient seeds to combat the threats posed to vital crops, particularly rice and wheat. The village of Rayanpet in southern India is witnessing the impacts of unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures, significantly affecting agricultural practices. Farmers like P. Ravinder Reddy have begun to experiment with recently engineered rice varieties designed to withstand climate challenges. “I have planted them across a quarter of my 25-acre field because there’s still demand for older varieties but I think in a few years, we will use only these tougher seeds,” Reddy stated, highlighting the advantages of these new strains in terms of yield, water conservation, and disease resistance. Given India’s status as one of the largest producers and consumers of wheat and rice globally, the development of resilient seeds is increasingly important. A recent UN report underscored the urgency of this issue, revealing that over 700 million people faced hunger last year and a significant portion of the population cannot access nutritious food. This situation necessitates the creation of seeds that can reliably yield crops amid the changing climate. India’s approximately 120 million farmers, especially those with small landholdings, confront numerous threats such as erratic rainfall, increasing temperatures, and pest infestations, all of which jeopardize their livelihoods. Some farmers are adopting natural farming techniques to mitigate these impacts, yet such practices often lead to diminished yields. In response to these challenges, the Indian government supports the promotion of climate-resilient seeds that do not compromise agricultural output. Experts like Ashok Kumar Singh, a former director at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, emphasize the necessity of developing seeds that can tackle multiple adversities brought forth by climate change. Singh’s team has successfully introduced over 2,000 climate-resilient seed varieties in the past decade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier this year, unveiled 109 climate-resilient seeds across various crops, with plans to ensure that at least 25% of paddy land during the upcoming kharif season will be sown with these robust seeds. Janila Pasupuleti of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics stated, “We are breeding for multiple stressors, including heat and disease resistance,” indicating a comprehensive approach to agriculture that not only stabilizes yields but also enhances nutritional quality. The reach and accessibility of these new seed varieties are crucial. Aditi Mukherji, the director of climate change adaptation and mitigation at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, stressed the importance of ensuring farmers have the knowledge, affordability, and training necessary to utilize these improved seeds effectively. Reflecting on India’s past achievements in agricultural modernization during the Green Revolution, Mukherji notes that the success was due in large part to coordinated government support. Additionally, it has been suggested that there is an urgent need for increased funding in agricultural research and development, equivalent to at least 1% of the agricultural GDP, to promote ongoing innovation in this field. As he prepares for the upcoming rice planting season, Reddy advocates for continued experimentation with new seeds while also calling for government assurances for fair crop pricing post-harvest, a step that could significantly aid farmers in his community.
Climate change poses a significant risk to agriculture, particularly in countries such as India, where extreme weather patterns, including unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures, challenge traditional farming practices. In this context, the development of resilient crop varieties is essential to ensure food security for India’s vast population, as well as for global markets. The urgency of these developments is underscored by food insecurity issues highlighted by agencies like the United Nations. As agricultural researchers strive to develop seeds capable of withstanding adverse climate conditions, the accessibility and effective utilization of these seeds by farmers remain critical for success.
The advancement of climate-resilient seeds is imperative in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in India. Agricultural scientists and government initiatives are making significant strides in this area, but ensuring that these innovations reach farmers effectively is crucial. With continued efforts and support, it is hoped that farmers can improve their yields and food security amid an increasingly unpredictable climate, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and contributing to national and global food supply chains.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
