Q6(b). What is climate change? Explain probable impact on agriculture.

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and extreme events caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report identifies India as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

Impact on Agriculture

1. Falling Crop Yields

ICAR finds a 1°C temperature rise reduces wheat yields by 4–5%. Punjab–Haryana wheat belts face heat stress in March.

2. Monsoon Uncertainty

Unpredictable monsoon patterns disrupt sowing cycles for rice, cotton and pulses.

3. Droughts and Floods

Frequent droughts in Marathwada, Bundelkhand, and Mahendragarh (Haryana) reduce farm output. Assam and Bihar face repeated floods damaging crops.

4. Pest and Disease Spread

Warmer climates encourage pests (fall armyworm) hurting maize and millet crops.

5. Livestock Stress

Heatwaves cut milk productivity by up to 20% (NDDB).

Government Response

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
• PMFBY crop insurance
• Micro-irrigation (PMKSY)
• Climate-resilient seed varieties

Haryana promotes crop diversification to millets to adapt to water stress.

Climate change threatens India’s food security and requires urgent adaptation.