SMART PRACTICES & TECHNOLOGIES for Climate Resilient Agriculture

Abstract

Climate change pertains to increase in atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO ) and global warming. Present day atmospheric CO level hovers around 397 ppm 2 which is a significant increase over the pre-industrial level of 280 ppm. It is anticipated that the concentration level will double by the end of this century (IPCC, 2007). A consequence of increased green house gas (GHG) emissions is the entrapment of heat within the earth's atmosphere leading to an alarming rate of global warming. Global average increase in mean annual temperatures is estimated at 0.8°C till now. An increasing rate of warming has taken place across sampling areas spread across the globe over the last 25 years. For example 11 of the 12 warmest years on record have occurred in the 1996-2005 period (IPCC, 2007). Global mean temperatures are likely to witness significant increase towards the end of this century. Between seasons, warming in the rainy season will be less pronounced than in the winter months in India (IMD, 2010). Another climate change feature significantly influencing agroecosystems is the change in seasonal rainfall patterns. Increased frequency in occurrence of extreme weather events such as cyclones, heat wave, cold wave, frost and hail storm over short periods exert adverse influence on crop performance. Rainfall is predicted to be highly erratic with fewer rainy days but with greater intensity. A combination of higher average annual temperatures and water stress (excess or deficit) can have serious implications for crop production in the tropics. The frequency of occurrence of extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and heat waves is on the rise (NATCOM, 2004; IPCC, 2007) and compounds the adverse effects on agriculture. Farmers need to intelligently adapt to the changing climate in order to sustain crop yields and farm income. Enhancing resilience of agriculture to climate risk is of paramount importance for protecting livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. Traditionally, technology transfer in agriculture has aimed at enhancing farm productivity. However, in the context of climate change and variability, farmers need to adapt quickly to enhance their resilience to increasing threats of climatic variability such as droughts, floods and other extreme climatic events. Over the years, an array of practices and technologies have been developed by researchers towards fostering stability in agricultural production against the onslaught of seasonal variations. Adoption of such resilient practices and technologies by farmers appears to be more a necessity than an option. Therefore, a reorientation in technology transfer approach is necessary. Efficiency in resource-use, environmental and social safeguards, sustainability and long-term development of agriculture assume greater importance. Participatory on-farm demonstration of site-specific technologies will go a long way in enabling farmers cope with current climate variability. Such an approach can ensure adaptation gains and immediate benefits to farmers along with possible reduction in GHG emissions and global warming potential of agriculture.