To counteract the adverse effects of global warming and climate change on agriculture, especially in Uttar Pradesh, the government has launched multiple initiatives. As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is being implemented. This mission is designed to introduce strategies that enhance agricultural resilience to climate fluctuations.
The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme is actively promoting water conservation through micro-irrigation techniques. Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are being encouraged to optimize water use, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity while conserving water resources.
The Soil Health & Fertility Scheme is supporting states in adopting a balanced approach to nutrient management. By integrating chemical fertilizers with organic manures and bio-fertilizers, this initiative aims to maintain soil health and boost long-term agricultural productivity.
Various initiatives, including the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Agroforestry, and the National Bamboo Mission, are contributing to climate-smart agriculture. Additionally, the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) Scheme is promoting integrated farming practices to minimize climate-induced risks and enhance farm sustainability.
Comprehensive Crop Insurance for Farmers: To safeguard farmers from climate-related uncertainties, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme provide financial security against crop loss due to extreme weather events. These schemes aim to reduce farmers’ financial vulnerability and promote climate-adaptive farming.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture Pilots in Uttar Pradesh: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is executing the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project across 17 districts in Uttar Pradesh. These districts include Baghpat, Bahraich, Banda, Basti, Chitrakoot, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kanpur (Dehat), Kaushambi, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Pratapgarh, Sant Ravidas Nagar, and Sonbhadra. The project is introducing climate-resilient farming techniques across selected village clusters in these regions.
Training Farmers in Climate-Smart Practices: Farmers in these districts are being trained in modern climate-adaptive techniques, including the system of rice intensification, aerobic rice, direct seeding of rice, zero-till wheat cultivation, and the adoption of drought- and heat-resistant crop varieties. Additionally, they are being educated on sustainable farming practices through dedicated capacity-building programs.
Government Report in Lok Sabha: Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, provided this information in a written statement to the Lok Sabha. These strategic initiatives are expected to help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in the future.
