In order to determine how climatic changes impacted the yields of important grain crops in India, the University of Illinois researchers in the United States of America studied data spanning more than 60 years. They discovered that Indian farmers could adjust to temperature variations for maize and rice but not for wheat.
The purpose of this study, which was published in the Agricultural Economics Journal, was to examine the immediate and long-term effects of climate change on crops. While the output of rice has increased due to more precipitation, the yields of wheat and maize have decreased. The study's author, Madhu Khanna, stated that we also discovered that farmers are customising their tactics for various areas and crops. Districts in hotter regions, for instance, did better in hotter climates than districts in cooler climates.
Madhu added that studies are carried out each year to determine the effects of climatic changes. But the climatic differences cannot be explained by this research; only changes in the seasons can. Madhu is a professor teaching consumer economics and agricultural economics.
Surender Kumar who is an Economics professor at the University of Delhi says that more productive regions have stronger irrigation infrastructure. These areas are less reliant on the monsoon season according to Surender Kumar. He claimed that as a result, there is a distinction between short- and long-term effects. Regarding how climate change affects crops, Prevention Web states that India can assist its farmers in fending off the threat of climate change in the below ways:
Smart Irrigation: Smart irrigation systems are needed given the depletion of groundwater supplies. Priority should be given to effective water management, drip irrigation, and sprinkler systems. They ought to be distributed around the nation as required.
Crop Insurance Scheme: To shield farmers from the unpredictability brought on by climate change, a successful crop insurance scheme is needed. Although many farmers pay for crop insurance plans, they offer very little protection. To safeguard farmers with lower rates and long-term insurance coverage, the system has to be changed.
Inter-Crop Adaptation: Farmers can engage in inter-crop adaptation, according to Vis Taraz of Smith College. They do this by planting more heat-resistant plants, such as sorghum or maize.
