Source: Indian agriculture’s response to global warming, The Hindustan Times, May 02, 2025
India is making strides in climate-smart agriculture through policy, innovation, and tech, but urgent action is needed to protect farmers and food security.
India’s agriculture is increasingly threatened by climate change, with over half the population dependent on farming that’s vulnerable to erratic weather and extreme events.
While government policies like NAPCC, PMFBY, and NICRA, along with emerging agri-tech startups and innovation hubs, are promoting climate resilience, systemic gaps in awareness, adoption, and infrastructure persist.
To truly safeguard rural livelihoods and food security, India must transition to a unified, climate-smart agriculture mission driven by innovation, investment, and grassroots empowerment.
India’s Climate Burden Despite Low Emissions
India contributes only a small share to global greenhouse gases. Still, it suffers greatly from climate-related farming problems. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has listed Indian agriculture as highly sensitive to climate shifts. Out of 651 farm districts, 310 are now labeled as highly or very highly vulnerable.
Government Action And Key Schemes
The Indian government has launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). These policies aim to make farming more climate-friendly and efficient in water use.
Important schemes include:
- Per Drop More Crop: Promotes micro-irrigation.
- Rainfed Area Development Programme: Supports mixed farming to reduce risk.
- Soil Health Programs: Encourage organic and balanced fertilizer use.
- Horticulture and Bamboo Missions: Push for sustainable farming practices.
Crop Insurance and Financial Protection
Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Weather-Based Crop Insurance help protect farmers from losses due to weather shocks. However, just compensating losses is not enough. Long-term solutions are needed to adapt to changing climates.
Scientific Innovation and the NICRA Project
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) runs the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). With over ₹1,060 crore, NICRA develops climate-friendly technologies and helps farmers adapt.
A key result: Over 2,900 new crop varieties have been developed. More than 2,600 of these can withstand droughts, floods, heat, and salty soil.
Climate Resilient Villages
Under NICRA, 448 Climate Resilient Villages (CRVs) have been started in 28 states and union territories. In Rajasthan alone, 35 villages use advanced methods like zero tillage and water-saving tools. These villages help farmers adjust to harsh weather.
Barriers To Progress And Innovative Solutions
Despite efforts, many problems remain. Farmers are not fully aware of climate-friendly methods. Insurance coverage is still patchy. Schemes like PMFBY face delays. Other issues include small landholdings, poor data access, and limited farm guidance.
In states like Punjab, drought and soil damage are changing how and what farmers grow. These changes affect food supply and rural life.
Agri-Startups Driving Innovation
India’s 2,000+ agri-startups are bringing modern tools to farming. They use AI, sensors, and satellite data to offer smart weather alerts, irrigation tips, and soil advice.
Startups are helping spread low-cost drip systems, climate-smart greenhouses, and eco-friendly products. Their work makes climate technology more accessible.
Building Research Hubs and Centres of Excellence
The Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Education are investing in innovation. They have launched Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) and Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to support research, startups, and training.
Key programs include:
- National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) – ₹3,660 crore
- CoE for AI in Agriculture, Health, and Cities – ₹990 crore
iHub AWaDH and Its Impact
iHub AWaDH at IIT Ropar, funded under NM-ICPS with ₹110 crore, is a major player in agri and water tech. It supports over 140 startups worth ₹1,300 crore.
These startups have raised ₹102 crore from investors and ₹17 crore from government and CSR funds. Support programs like SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, and ATMAN help them grow.
Promoting Innovation Through Labs and Grants
Twelve Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) labs across nine states give entrepreneurs space to test and develop ideas. Students, startups, and rural innovators receive support through grants, mentoring, and labs.
AI and Agriculture: The Annam.ai Initiative
The Ministry of Education has launched a ₹990 crore CoE program. Under this, IIT Ropar leads Annam.ai with a ₹330 crore budget. It uses AI to improve biodiversity, crop health, nutrient use, and livestock monitoring.
Towards a National Climate-Smart Agriculture Mission
India now needs a united approach to climate-resilient farming. The path forward includes:
- Adding climate goals to all farm schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY.
- Partnering with the private sector to scale up climate-smart solutions.
- Expanding CRVs to more districts.
- Improving infrastructure for water storage, solar pumps, and supply chains.
- Using data and weather tech for real-time advice.
- Training extension workers as climate guides.
- Increasing funding and setting up more labs and innovation programs.
Way Forward
Climate education is vital. Farmers must receive clear and timely information to protect themselves.
India did not cause the climate crisis, but it must lead in adapting to it. As the country works towards Viksit Bharat@2047, climate-smart farming should be a core goal.
We must transform every village into a resilient hub, every farmer into a leader of change, and every policy into a strong support system. With Innovation, Investment, Implementation, and Policy, India can become a global model for sustainable farming.