As the impacts of the climate crisis escalate, the agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges. Recognizing the urgency, the Indian government is pivoting towards a climate resilience approach to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
In the wake of worsening climate conditions, ensuring the resilience of farms has become imperative. The transition from a mere climate response strategy to one centered on resilience is paramount for the sustenance of agriculture. Acknowledging this need, the Indian government has initiated critical measures to bolster farm resilience.
Two expert panels have been established to address key aspects of this transition. The first panel focuses on leveraging technology to enhance the accuracy of extreme weather forecasts. This precision aids farmers in making informed decisions regarding tilling and sowing, crucial for mitigating climate risks. The second panel aims to expedite the assessment of yield losses under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Timely disbursal of payouts under this scheme is essential for minimizing the financial burden on farmers in the face of crop losses.
However, challenges persist, notably delays in the implementation of the farm insurance scheme. Despite the government’s efforts, bureaucratic hurdles and disputes between stakeholders have hindered the smooth functioning of PMFBY. These delays exacerbate the financial strain on farmers, impacting their ability to invest in subsequent sowing seasons.
Moving forward, sustained efforts are required to incentivize the shift away from water-intensive crops and towards more climate-resilient agricultural practices. Demonstrating the long-term benefits of such transitions is crucial for garnering farmer support and ensuring the sustainability of Indian agriculture.
#ClimateResilience #Agriculture #Farmers #IndianGovernment #PMFBY #ClimateCrisis #TechnologyInAgriculture
