The major challenge faced by the entire world today is Climate Change or Global Warming. Every country is taking various measures to reduce the global warming. The climate change causes a greater impact on the agriculture. Particularly, Indian agriculture is hardly affected due to the climate change or global warming. The success of Indian agriculture much depends on the normal monsoon as also on favorable weather conditions. The fact is that all over the world, wherever, whenever the farmers meet, the crops and the prevailing prices. Aberrant weather conditions worry them. During recent years, burning of fossil fuels by the vehicles, coal burning by the power plants, emission from the industrial factories as also as a result of the large scale deforestation, the earth’s surface temperature is increasing, rainfall pattern is shifting causing loss of moisture, occurrence of cyclones, thunderstorms, floods as also the rising of the sea-level, which may ultimately see many coastal cities and towns inundated. As far as foodgrains production is concerned, even a slight rise in the earth’s surface temperature could cause drop in the country’s wheat production substantially as also it could much impair the quality of rice ( specially of the basmati rice), fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants, products now being much valued for their export. Despite these limitations, much useful work has been done on estimating the impacts of different climate change scenarios. In this paper climate change impacts in agriculture are examined with particular to Indian scenario.

Agriculture is one of the most weather-dependent of all human activities. In India, agriculture and allied activities constitute the single largest component of Grass Domestic Product (GDP) contributing nearly 25% of the total. The tremendous importance of this sector to the Indian economy can be ganged by the fact that it provides employment to to-thirds of the total workforce. The share of agricultural products in exports is also substantial, with agriculture accounting for 15% of export earnings. Agricultural growth also has a direct impact on poverty eradication, and is an important factor in employment generation. Further, Indian agriculture is fundamentally dependent on weather for higher productivity.

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?

Climate change can manifest itself in gradual changes in temperature, precipitation and a rise in sea level, resulting in changes in frequency, intensity and duration of extreme events. Global warming means earth getting warmer and resulting in an ecological imbalance.

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS AGRICULTURE?

Climate change can affect agriculture in a variety of ways. Beyond a certain range of temperatures, warming tends to reduce yields because crops speed through their development,   producing less grain in the process. Evaporation from the soil accelerates when temperatures rise and plants increase transpiration—that is, lose more moisture from their leaves. The combined effect is called “evapotranspiration.” Because global warming is like ly to increase rainfall, the net impact of higher temperatures on water availability is a race between higher evapotranspiration and higher precipitation. Typically, that race is won by higher evapotranspiration. But a key culprit in climate change—carbon emissions— can also help agriculture by enhancing photosynthesis in many important, so-called C3, crops (such as wheat, rice, and soybeans). The science, however, is far from certain on the benefits of carbon fertilization. But we do know that this phenomenon does not much help C4 crops (such as sugarcane and maize), which account for about one-fourth of all crops by value.

Potential direct effects on agricultural systems: Seasonal changes in rainfall and temperature could impact agro-climatic conditions, altering growing seasons, planting and harvesting calendars, water availability, pest, weed and disease populations, etc. Evapotranspiration, photosynthesis and biomass production is altered. Land suitability is altered.

India, as a developing country has reasons to be concerned about the adverse impact of climate change on its economy. A large part of its population depends on climate sensitive sectors for livelihoods which makes it highly vulnerable to climate change. Climate change can have serious impact on its crops, forests, coastal regions, etc. which can in turn affect the achievement of its important national development goals. The issue of climate change cannot however be taken up without linking it to developmental needs such as poverty, health, energy access and education. Efforts to address climate change adaptation and mitigation needs should not take resources away from the core development needs and growth objectives of the developing countries. Climate Change mitigation and poverty reduction should be addressed simultaneously.

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING

¨      Global warming is increasing the earth’s average temperature. The green house gases are the main culprits of the global warming. The green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are playing hazards in the present time. These green house gases trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and thus result in increasing the temperature of the earth. The excessive emission of these gases is the major cause of global warming.

¨      The major source of carbon dioxide is the power plants. These power plants emit large amounts of carbon dioxide produced from burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generations. Coal is the major fuel that is burnt in these power plants. Coal produces around 1.7 times as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy when flamed as does natural gas and 1.25 times as much as oil. Coal gives out 80% more carbon per unit of energy it produces as compared to natural gas. Another major source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the emission from the cars and other vehicles. About 20% of carbon dioxide emitted in the atmosphere comes from burning of gasoline in the engines of the vehicles.

¨      Buildings, both commercial and residential represent a large source of global warming pollution than cars and trucks. Building of these structures requires a lot of fuel to be burnt which emits a large amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

¨      The second major greenhouse gas after CO2 which causes global warming is Methane. Methane is obtained from resources such as rice paddies, Bovine Flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel manufacture. Almost in all parts of the world, rice is grown on flooded fields. When fields are flooded, anaerobic situation built up and the organic matter in the soil decays, releasing methane to the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide which is a colorless gas with sweet odour is another green house gas. The main sources of nitrous oxide include nylon and nitric acid production, cars with catalytic converters, the use of fertilizers in agriculture and burning of organic matter. A greater emission of nitrous oxides in the recent decades is leading global warming.

¨       Another major cause of global warming is deforestation. Deforestation is to be blamed for 25% of all carbon dioxide release entering the atmosphere, by the cutting and burning of about 34 million acres of trees each year. Trees collect CO2 that we breathe out and they give back oxygen that we breathe in. Thus, cutting of trees is leading to greater concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Greater urbanization, requirement of land for factories and buildings, requirement of timber are all reasons that are leading to deforestation which in turn is leading to global warming.

¨      The global warming has led to increase in mean earth surface temperature and thus melting of the polar ice. There are frequent meltdown of glaciers that result in floods and other natural calamities. The melting of ice at the poles has led the increase in sea level. And further increase in temperature may melt the ice and lead to increase in mean sea level which will engulf low lying countries.

¨      The effect of global warming is very evident on the animal kingdom. Some animals have become extinct due to loss of their natural habitat or their inability to evolve the rapid change in their life style because of the changes in the seasons. The migrating birds have changed their time to travel and also their place of migration.

¨      The effects of global warming can be felt on the seasons too. There is shift in season cycle, as the summers are getting longer than the winters. This has affected the animals and made them to change their life style accordingly and those who failed to do so have perished or on the verge of extinction.

¨      The global warming is also responsible for the introduction of some new diseases. The bacteria are more effective and multiply much faster in warmer temperatures compared to cold temperatures. The increase in temperature has led to increase in the microbes that cause diseases.

¨      Climate change is also effecting the crop production, as the crops are getting destroyed due to the sudden change in temperatures or sudden onset of rains. Also, the flash floods and other natural calamities affect the crop.

¨      As the matter of fact, because of global warming, the earth’s atmosphere is getting more unpredictable with heavy rains in the areas which have scantly rainfall or drought in the areas which received good annual rainfall. The months of rainfall are also getting affected.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian economy and provides food and livelihood security to a substantial section of the Indian population. The impact of climate change as witnessed in recent times has immense potential to adversely affect agriculture in this country in a variety of ways. As a large part of the arable land in India is rain-fed, the productivity of agriculture depends on the rainfall and its pattern. Agriculture will be adversely affected not only by an increase or decrease in the overall amounts of rainfall but also by shifts in the timing of the rainfall. Any change in rainfall patterns poses a serious threat to agriculture, and therefore to the economy and food security. Summer rainfall accounts for almost 70% of the total annual rainfall over India and is crucial to Indian agriculture.

Climate Change is projected to have significant impacts on conditions affecting agriculture, including temperature, precipitation and glacial run off. It affects agriculture in more ways than one. It can affect crop yield as well as the types of crops that can be grown in certain areas, by impacting agricultural inputs such as water for irrigation, amounts of solar radiation that affect plant growth, as well as the prevalence of pests.

Rise in temperatures caused by increasing green house gases is likely to affect crops differently from region to region. As a result of climate change the amount of arable land in high-latitude region is likely to increase by reduction of the amount of frozen lands. At the same time arable land along the coast lines are bound to be reduced as a result of rising sea level. Erosion, submergence of shorelines, salinity of the water table due to the increased sea levels, could mainly affect agriculture through inundation of low lying lands.

The impact of climate change on agriculture could result in water shortages and drought, new diseases, heat stress for animals and risks liked to extreme weather events. Scientists are studying very closely the effect of climate change in different fields including agriculture. Various studies have indicated that rise in temperature is going to affect the agricultural production though its contribution to green house gas is only 28%. Climate change is already upon us. Indian agriculture, despite being a relatively minor contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, will be a big loser if global temperatures rise.

Agriculture will be adversely affected not only by an increase or decrease in the overall amounts of rainfall, but also by shifts in the timing of the rainfall. Higher temperatures reduce the total duration of a crop cycle, leading to a lower yield per unit area, especially for India’s wheat and paddy crops. Soil erosion, increased numbers of pests and weeds brought by climate change will also affect agriculture in India. For instance, the amount of moisture in the soil will be affected by changes in factors such as rainfall, runoff and evaporation. Global warming will seriously affect agriculture. Some species of agricultural crops will be adversely affected by higher temperatures, increased weeds and harmful insects. It is also possible that global warming will lead to global food shortages.

CLIMATE CHANGE IN INDIA

The vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change is well acknowledged. But what is not fully appreciated is the impact this will have on rain-fed (non-irrigated) agriculture, practiced mostly by small and marginal farmers who will suffer the most.

The crops that may be hit include pulses and oilseeds, among others. These are already in short supply and are consequently high-priced. Nearly 80 million hectares, out of the country’s net sown area of around 143 million hectares, lack irrigation facilities and hence, rely wholly on rain water for crop growth.  Over 85% of the pulses and cereals, more than 75% of the oilseeds and nearly 65% of cotton are produced from such lands. The crop yields are quiet low.

According to A K Singh, Deputy Director-General (Natural Resource Management) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), medium-term climate change predictions have projected the likely reduction in crop yields due to climate change at between 4.5% and 9% by 2039.

The long run predictions paint a scarier picture with the crop yields anticipated to fall by 25 per or more by 2099. This will have a detrimental effect on farmers’ income and purchasing power, with obvious down-the-line repercussions. Though the rainfall records available with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) do not indicate any perceptible trend of change in overall annual monsoon rainfall in the country, noticeable changes have been observed within certain distinct regions.

At least three meteorological sub-divisions – Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Kerala have shown significant decrease in seasonal rainfall though some others have recorded an uptrend in precipitation as well. Since, rain-fed crops like coarse grains, pulses and oilseeds are grown mostly during the kharif season, these are impacted by both low as well as excess rainfall.

India is among countries most threatened by climate change with experts warning that rising temperatures will lead to more floods, heat waves, storms, rising sea levels and unpredictable farm yields. Here are the main potential effects of climate change on a country which is the world’s seventh largest in area and is home to 1.1 billion people, a sixth of humanity.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has warned that India could lose upto 125 million tones of cereals. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which was awarded Nobel Prize in the year 2008 has warned that due to global warming, the sea levels in Asia will rise by atleast 40cm by 2100 flooding vast areas on the coastline, including some of the most densely populated cities, whose population will be forced to migrate inland (The Hindu Business Line dated 03-11-2007). The first to be affected by the climate change will be those living in the fringe zones, working outdoors or whose livelihoods depend directly on the physical environment. Viewed from these perspectives, the main sectors facing risks from direct impact could be agriculture, water resources and health.

The IPCC report indicates high probability of crop losses with increase in temperature in the tropical regions. Studies do confirm this trend. Among cereal crops important for food security, wheat is most sensitive to even small increase in temperature. Relatively, rice has greater tolerance to temperature increases. Increasing climate variability could result in considerable season/ annual fluctuation in food production. All agricultural commodities are subject to such variability.

SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL WARMING

The most important contributor to global warming is the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels due to human activity. The following are the some of the suggestions to prevent global warming.

ü  CO2 emission can be cut by reducing the use of fossil fuels by cutting back on car use, investing in energy efficiency, implementing energy conservation measures and utilizing renewable resources such as wind, solar and hydropower. Reducing fossil fuel user will, coincidentally, also reduce emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.

ü  Since CO2 is consumed by plants and trees (known as carbon-sinks), reversing deforestation and implementing reforestation programmes may reduce levels in the atmosphere. The need to take such measures was first recognized at the RIO climate change convention in 1992, after which over 160 countries pledged to limit emissions of CO2 and to protect and enhance natural ‘sinks’ of CO2. Trees play a unique role in the global carbon cycle. They are the largest land-based mechanism for removing CO2 from the air. Trees are able to store a large amount of CO2 in their structure. An acre of forest will absorb about ten times the CO2 amount absorbed by an acre of crop land. Planting more trees and reducing more trees and reducing timber cut worldwide will help to restore the balance.

ü  Try to cut down demand for electricity when we reduce electricity power use, we save money, breathe cleaner air and help to reduce the global warming problem.

ü  Government should also encourage the use of mass transit; provide tax rebates for people who buy low and no-pollution vehicles and subsidies to fossil fuel and the nuclear industries.

ü  Green house gas emissions be managed using an incentive based policy, such as market based approach to capping and reducing such emissions. This type of strategy provides clear incentives for changes in business practices and the development of new technologies. It assures that economic forces are directed to keeping the cost of reducing emissions as low as they can be. Many industrial nations have now adopted policies intended to limit green house gases.

ü  Try to follow the environment-friendly policies like ‘Reduce’, ‘Reuse’ and ‘Recycle’. Save containers, bags, everything that can be used in the future. Also we use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper ones and use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.

ü  Try to minimize the usage of air conditioners, refrigerators and other electronic goods which cause hazardous effects to the mother earth and can maximize the usage of the solar energy and wind energy for the power generation.

CONCLUSION

Scientists are convinced that human actions are causing global warming. If this is so, it stands to reason that our own actions can also help to reduce this threat. Today global warming poses an extraordinary challenge. The world’s leading atmospheric scientists tell us that a gradual warming of our climate is under way and will continue. This long-term warning trend poses even greater risks to many other nations, particularly poorer countries that will be far less able to cope with a changing climate and low-lying countries where sea-level rise will cause significant damage.

Meeting the challenge of global warming will require sustained effort over decades on the part of Governments, who must establish the rules and modify them. Although much is being done to reduce the emission of green house gases, the efforts are still not enough. The Indian policy makers must remember that climate change has a creeping effect on the economy and can further hurt the already fragile agricultural system.

EARTH QUAKES FIRES AND FLOODS STARVATION
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