Government Initiatives Ensure Record Foodgrains Production Amidst Climate Challenges

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has been actively implementing various schemes, including the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). These initiatives aim to increase production, improve productivity, and minimize risks associated with climatic variability to ensure sustainable agricultural production.

Financial Protection for Farmers through PMFBY

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) plays a crucial role in providing financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters. This not only safeguards farmers but also encourages the adoption of modern agricultural practices. Farmers experiencing a crop loss of 33% and above due to natural calamities can avail input subsidies as per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

ICAR's Climate Resilient Agriculture Project

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) in 2011. This flagship network project aims to enhance the resilience of the agriculture sector against climate change. ICAR has released 2380 high-yielding varieties/hybrids of field crops, including those tolerant to water stress, drought, floods, frost, and heat waves, between 2014 and 2023.

Mitigating Weather Challenges with District Agriculture Contingency Plans

The Indian Council for Agricultural Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) plays a crucial role in developing District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACP) for 650 districts. These plans provide suitable technology interventions to mitigate the impact of weather-related challenges. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issues advisories to states for creating awareness campaigns and implementing contingency plans as per local needs.

Monitoring Reservoirs for Sustainable Water Use

The Central Water Commission (CWC) actively monitors the live storage status of 150 important reservoirs in the country and issues weekly bulletins. These bulletins, shared with Water Resource Departments and uploaded on the CWC website, are vital for assessing agricultural activities. Advisory measures are taken when the storage falls below 80% of the normal average storage of the last ten years, ensuring judicious use of available water.

These comprehensive measures and initiatives undertaken by various government bodies reflect a commitment to sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security even in the face of climatic challenges.