Scalable climate resilient technologies in diverse rainfed agro-ecologies

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges for developing nations like India, particularly in rainfed agriculture, which is highly sensitive to climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature. Climate vulnerability include erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, heat stress and cold stress, all of which affects crop yields, food security, and rural livelihoods. India’s smallholder farmers, who comprise 86% of the agricultural sector, are especially vulnerable to climate-induced stresses such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, cold waves and dry spells. Projections indicate a potential decrease in crop productivity over period leading to economic losses. Agriculture also contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the prerequisite of climate-resilient agricultural (CRA) practices that enhance the rainfed agro-ecosystem ability to adapt to climate challenges while minimizing environmental impact. CRA practices which includes soil moisture conservation, tank silt application, climate stress cropping systems and varieties, integrated farming systems and livestock interventions focus on improving productivity, ensuring food security, and increasing the resilience of rural communities. In addition to adaptation to climate vulnerabilities, these practices also have mitigation co-benefits and provide ecosystem services.