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Climate change is reducing crop yields and threatening food security in India through rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events. Adaptation strategies include drought-resistant crops and improved water management.
By Robin Kumar Attri
Climate change involves long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns. In India, these changes are seen in higher average temperatures, unpredictable monsoons, and more extreme events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These shifts have grown stronger over recent decades, directly affecting agricultural productivity.
Indian agriculture is especially vulnerable because much of it depends on monsoon rains. Any change in rainfall timing or intensity can disrupt sowing, crop growth, and harvesting. Higher temperatures are a key concern. They reduce crop growth, especially during flowering and grain formation. Studies indicate that wheat yields in India could drop by 6% to 25% by the end of the century due to rising temperatures. Rice and maize yields are also expected to decline. Heat stress lowers photosynthesis, speeds up crop maturity, and reduces overall production.
Extreme heat is now seen as a “risk multiplier,” further reducing yields and farm productivity across South Asia.
The Indian monsoon provides about 70% of the country’s annual rainfall. Climate change has made monsoons less predictable, with longer dry spells and sudden heavy downpours. Both too little and too much rain can harm crop yield and quality. Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have caused major crop losses in recent years. For example, heavy rainfall in Maharashtra in 2026 damaged thousands of hectares of crops, hitting farmer incomes and market supply.
Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves, are becoming more common. Droughts lower soil moisture and crop yield, while floods destroy crops and wash away soil nutrients. Cyclones damage coastal agriculture, and heatwaves reduce labor productivity. These events disrupt not only crop production but also storage, transport, and market access.
Climate change is expected to reduce overall agricultural productivity in India. Even if rainfall increases, higher temperatures are likely to cause a net decline in yields. Rice, wheat, and maize production may fall significantly under extreme climate scenarios. Some crops, such as chickpea, may benefit, but the overall effect is negative. Lower output threatens food security and can lead to higher food prices and inflation.
Water availability is also affected. Erratic rainfall reduces groundwater recharge, and higher temperatures increase evaporation. Water scarcity limits crop choices and productivity, especially in rain-fed regions. Soil degradation from erosion, nutrient loss, and salinization further reduces productivity. Heavy rains wash away topsoil, while droughts lower soil fertility, creating long-term challenges for farmers.
India is adopting several strategies to reduce climate risks. Developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties helps farmers adapt. Technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation improve water efficiency. Crop diversification spreads risk and stabilizes incomes. Programs such as the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) focus on research and adaptation. Practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and soil conservation support resilience and sustainability.
Climate change is already affecting Indian agriculture in measurable ways. Addressing these challenges requires scientific innovation, government support, and farmer awareness. Adopting climate-resilient practices and improving water management are essential to protect India’s agricultural future.
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