Why India Needs a Coherent National Roadmap for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
India faces urgent challenges in food security due to climate change, with 51% of its net sown area being rainfed and vulnerable to weather variability. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) integrates biotechnology, AI-driven tools, and sustainable practices like genome-edited crops and biofertilizers to enhance productivity while protecting the environment. While initiatives like 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) and the BioE3 policy exist, scaling CRA requires a coherent national roadmap. This involves overcoming barriers like limited access for small farmers, quality inconsistencies in bio-inputs, and the digital divide to ensure widespread adoption of resilient farming techniques.
Key Points
- CRA uses biotechnology and AI to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and improve crop resistance to heat and drought.
- Approximately 51% of India's net sown area is rainfed, making it highly susceptible to climate-induced yield fluctuations.
- The BioE3 policy positions CRA as a key thematic area for biotechnology-led solutions and sustainable development.
- Scaling CRA requires addressing financial incentives, climate insurance, and credit access for small and marginal farmers.
Exam Facts
- Program: National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), launched in 2011.
- Policy: BioE3 policy.
- Statistic: 51% of India's net sown area is rainfed.
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