• Chennai 600036

The scientific rationale for climate resilient agriculture is grounded in the urgent need to safeguard food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystems in the face of increasing climate variability and extreme weather events. Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are leading to frequent droughts, floods, heatwaves, and pest outbreaks, which collectively threaten crop yields, disrupt livestock and fisheries, and reduce agricultural incomes—potentially by 15–25 percent in regions like India. Adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices—such as stress-tolerant crop varieties, efficient water and nutrient management, integrated pest control, and conservation of soil organic carbon—not only enables farms to adapt to changing climatic conditions but also enhances productivity and reduces environmental impact. These practices are essential in areas facing water scarcity or extreme events, as they promote agricultural systems that can absorb shocks, recover quickly, and ensure sustainable productivity. Collaboration between stakeholders, integration of new technologies, and blending indigenous knowledge are also crucial for enabling farmers to make informed decisions amid climate uncertainty, supporting achievement of key sustainable development goals such as ending hunger and poverty, and promoting climate action.

Significance

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Enhances crop yields and stability

Climate resilient agriculture (CRA) enables farmers to maintain or improve yields even under unpredictable weather and climate extremes, helping to reduce crop losses and stabilize food production.

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Improves soil health and fertility

Sustainable practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping build soil organic matter, improve fertility, and reduce erosion, making farms more robust against stressors.

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Reduces vulnerability to extreme weather

Techniques like diversified cropping, agroforestry, and efficient water management help mitigate the impacts of droughts, floods, and storms, reducing risk to farming communities.

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Conserves water and other resources

Adoption of water-efficient irrigation (e.g., drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting) reduces dependence on diminishing groundwater and supports sustainable water use, especially in drought-prone regions.

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Supports environmental protection

CRA promotes ecosystem services—such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and natural pest management—leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a healthier agro-ecosystem.

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Ensures food and livelihood security

By making agriculture more adaptable and resilient, CRA secures food supplies and stabilizes incomes for farmers, especially in regions most vulnerable to climate change.

Interventions

In this project, a range of site-specific, climate-resilient interventions has been introduced to address the distinct challenges of both water-scarce and flood-prone agroecological regions.

In Dharashiv, Maharashtra

water

Water Resource Management

Adoption of integrated water-saving techniques to improve water availability and sustainability in drought-prone areas.

pouch

Pouch Planting Technique

A low-cost, water-conserving planting method that ensures targeted water delivery to plants.

agro

Agroforestry with Low Water-Intake Species

Introduction of drought-tolerant perennial trees and crops to optimize water use.

soil

Soil Moisture Conservation

Use of mulching, compost, and biochar to enhance water retention and soil health.

farming

Diversified Farming

Integrating fruit trees with cereal crops for better resilience and productivity.

agro

Agroforestry Enhancement

Planting drought-resistant species to improve sustainability and biodiversity.

In Begusarai, Bihar

float

Float Farming Systems

Implementation of floating cultivation platforms using organic matter to enable crop production during months of submergence.

agrof

Agroforestry Models Adapted to Seasonal Flooding

Development of agroforestry systems with flood-resilient tree species combined with seasonal crops.

cropping

Cropping Calendar Adjustments

Optimization of crop selection and planting schedules aligned with seasonal flood patterns.

natural

Natural Drainage and Vegetative Buffer Zones

Use of grass strips and contour bunding to reduce waterlogging and soil erosion.

livelihood

Livelihood Diversification

Promotion of indigenous crops and allied activities for resilience against climate events.

layered

Layered Cropping

Combining fruit crops with tubers for year-round productivity and income stability.