Climate Resilient Rainfed Agriculture: Experiences from India

Abstract

Rainfed agriculture is practiced in 52% of net cultivated area in India and contributes to about 40% of country’s food production, thus important for country’s food security and economy. Climate change impacts are evident in rainfed agriculture in India. Efforts have been made through national initiatives towards climate resilient rainfed agriculture and to enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers. On-farm participatory demonstration of climate resilient practices cluster village mode helped to cope with delayed onset of monsoon and in-season drought. Establishing village level institutions such as village climate risk management committees, custom hiring centres for farm mechanization, nutrient banks, seed and fodder production systems and mechanism for agro-advisories proved to be building climate resilient villages. It is also important to build resilience at agricultural landscape level (watershed) for sustainable and risk resilient rainfed agriculture. Capacity building of farmers enhanced their adaptive capacity. Preparation and implementation of Agriculture Contingency Plans enhanced the preparedness for weather aberrations and policy support. Several resilient technologies have been integrated into national, state and district programmes for achieving climate resilient rainfed agriculture. The proven climate resilient technologies in India could be upscaled in similar rainfed agroecologies in other countries. Climate resilience in rainfed agriculture can be better addressed through risk and vulnerability assessment at sub-district level; scaling out resilient technologies through government programmes, better preparedness for weather aberration and capacity building of stakeholders. The knowledge built and experiences gained in India trigger to propose a global programme for research and development in climate resilient rainfed agriculture and inter-governmental and multi-institutional arrangements for upscaling of proven climate resilient practices in the similar rainfed agro-ecoclogy domains in various countries. Further, development of regional centres of excellence in climate resilient rainfed agriculture for research and development and capacity building and human resources development is also suggested.