Parliament Question: Food Shortage

Executive Summary: This document summarizes the Indian government's response to concerns about global warming's potential impact on food shortages in the country. It outlines steps taken, including research by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various government schemes under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), to enhance climate resilience in agriculture. These initiatives range from improving water use efficiency and promoting integrated farming systems to providing crop insurance and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Key Points / Main Content: * **Climate Change Impact Assessment:** * ICAR studies project that global warming could reduce agricultural yield if adaptation and mitigation measures are not adopted. * **National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):** * NAPCC provides an overarching policy framework for adapting to climate change and enhancing ecological sustainability. * The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a key mission under NAPCC, implementing strategies to make agriculture more climate-resilient. * **Schemes Under NMSA:** * Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme promotes water use efficiency through micro-irrigation technologies. * Rainfed Area Development focuses on Integrated Farming System to enhance productivity and minimize climate-related risks. * Soil Health Fertility scheme assists states in integrated nutrient management to improve soil health and productivity. * Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Agroforestry, and National Bamboo Mission also promote climate resilience. * **Crop Insurance:** * Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss from natural calamities. * **Climate-Resilient Varieties:** * ICAR has released 2900 varieties in the last 10 years (2014-2024), with 2661 varieties tolerant to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. * **District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs):** * DACPs have been prepared for 651 districts to address weather aberrations and recommend location-specific climate-resilient crops, varieties, and management practices. * **Technology Demonstration and Awareness:** * Location-specific climate-resilient technologies have been demonstrated in 448 CRVs of 151 climatically vulnerable districts across 28 states/UTs. * ICAR, through NICRA, raises awareness about climate change's impact on agriculture and conducts capacity-building programs for farmers. Impact Analysis: * **Farmers:** * Impact: Farmers are directly affected by climate change's impact on crop yields and are the beneficiaries of schemes designed to mitigate these effects. * Action Required: Farmers should adopt climate-resilient technologies, utilize crop insurance schemes, and follow the recommendations in the District Agriculture Contingency Plans. * **State Departments of Agriculture:** * Impact: These departments are responsible for implementing and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices at the local level. * Action Required: State departments need to utilize the District Agriculture Contingency Plans, promote climate-resilient crops and varieties, and implement the various schemes under NMSA. * **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):** * Impact: ICAR is responsible for research, development, and dissemination of climate-resilient agricultural technologies and practices. * Action Required: ICAR needs to continue research on climate-resilient varieties, conduct awareness programs, and provide technical support to state departments of agriculture and farmers.

Key Entities Referenced