Farm Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture

Abstract

Climate change and climate variability are the major challenges for sustaining agricultural production in the country. There has been a significant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events in recent years affecting farm level productivity, threatening livelihoods particularly the small and marginal farmers in the vulnerable regions of the country. Farmers develop innovative solutions to face these challenges effectively drawing heavily from their experiences and the traditional wisdom. The drivers of the innovations are multifaceted in terms of economic, environmental, social and cultural factors wherein farmers may innovate out of necessity, adversity, opportunity and could be to improve the existing farming practices. The innovations can be a farmer developed variety, product, practice that have been integrated in to the agricultural production systems of the farmers and thus contributing effectively for improved production and returns. Farm innovations emerged out of farmers’ experience and wisdom are important for addressing climate variability and number of practices are in vogue and being adopted by the fellow farmers in various parts of the country. Documenting these innovations in proper form can help in their spread to effectively address the climate related issues. Accordingly an attempt has been made to compile these practices from various climatically vulnerable regions of the country. A systematic description and practical utility of these innovations helps other farmers get motivated to adopt these practices in similar farming situations and agroclimatic regions. Innovations observed in various facets of agriculture such as natural resource management, crop production, farm machinery, livestock production, livelihood innovations, etc., have been presented drawing from various regions of the country. We acknowledge the contribution made by scientists of NICRA-KVKs and ICAR Institutes for recognizing and compiling innovations. The direct and indirect contribution of all those including farmers in developing and popularizing these innovations are duly acknowledged. The financial support from ICAR-NICRA is thankfully acknowledged.