TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION COMPONENT MONSOON ACTION PLAN - 2015 Village Level Contingency Plans for Climate Resilient Agriculture

Abstract

In the review-cum-action plan preparation workshops held at all the 8 Zonal Project Directorates during April - May, 2015, it was decided to chalk out the Monsoon Action Plan for NICRA villages. This is to be done immediately after the second stage forecast is announced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the first week of June. The revised IMD forecast calls for enhanced preparedness for the ensuing kharif season in view of the prediction for a below normal monsoon (88% of the long period average) that is likely to affect agriculture in several parts of the country. The Technology Demonstration Component of NICRA, implemented by 121 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), addresses climate vulnerabilities in identified target districts spread across the country. Among these, 50 drought-prone districts have been identified in 17 States. The monsoon action plan essentially deals with village level contingency measures in field crops to tackle likely scenarios of delay in onset of monsoon and deficit rainfall situations. The contingency plan for the normal crops in the village entails demonstration of short duration varieties of the main crop in case of delay in planting, and demonstration of alternate crop in case of delay beyond cutoff sowing date for e.g., 15th July or later. Also, to cope with deficit rainfall conditions, demonstration of several drought proofing contingency measures related to crop, soilmoisture, nutrient and water management are included in the plans. Drought in rainfed areas often results in shortage of fodder for livestock. The plans also cover fodder production strategy to be implemented in the adopted village. In the event of any kharif unsown areas leftover in the village, an early rabi crop plan is prepared for implementation to compensate for the loss in production during kharif. Drought in agriculture is an unfolding situation depending upon the onset and progress of the monsoon. NICRA KVKs will implement the village level contingency plan for drought depending upon the likely scenario that will be experienced at the village level in real time. Availability of inputs such as seed of short duration varieties and other inputs is to be ensured. Some of the drought proofing measures such as insitu moisture conservation and rainwater harvesting practices will be implemented as part of preparedness at or before the sowing time, respectively. The NICRA KVKs have been advised to prioritize the technology interventions to focus on building climate resilience in farming and strengthening coping ability of farmers during kharif 2015 season. Appropriate and focused advisories may be prepared and disseminated so as to reach the farmers in time to cope with various contingent situations. We acknowledge the timely cooperation extended by the Zonal Project Directors, Nodal Officers at ZPDs and all NICRA KVKs for developing the village level contingency plans for implementation in the ensuing kharif season. We are grateful for the constant guidance and support received from NICRA Team, Dr. A.K. Sikka, DDG (Natural Resource Management) and Dr. A.K. Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension), ICAR.