Climate change impacting wheat production in India: POINTERS FROM WHEAT

Source: The post climate change impacting wheat production in India has been created, based on the article “POINTERS FROM WHEAT: Green Revolution 2.0’s focus must be on input use efficiency and building climate resilience” published in “Indian express” on 1st April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian economy-issues of buffer stocks and food security;

News: This article discusses the current situation of wheat harvests in India, affected by climate change. It mentions the challenges of temperature changes and the need for the country to develop wheat varieties that can withstand these changes for future sustainability. Climate change impacting wheat production in India

How is climate change impacting wheat production in India?

Wheat stocks in government storage are the lowest in seven years, at 9.7 million tonnes as of March 1.

Climate change is causing temperature fluctuations, impacting wheat growth in India.

In 2022 and 2023, unseasonal rains and temperature spikes during grain formation led to yield losses.

Warm temperatures at sowing time in central India (MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra) resulted in fewer tillers and premature flowering.

Conversely, the Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar) are expecting a bumper harvest, thanks to normal March temperatures and good grain-filling progress.

Overall, despite lower yields in central India, the country might harvest more wheat than in the previous two years, balancing the impacts of climate change.

How can India adapt to these changes?

India needs to focus on breeding climate-resilient wheat varieties, resistant to drought and heat.

The strategy should shift from high fertilizer reliance to more efficient use of inputs like water, nutrients, and energy.

Emphasis on Green Revolution 2.0, aiming for higher yield with less resource consumption.

Research to identify plant genes responsible for desirable traits like drought and heat tolerance is crucial.

Adapting sowing times and practices based on changing climate patterns can help mitigate adverse impacts.

Considering global wheat price trends, temporarily easing import restrictions could also be a strategic move.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the potential impact of climate change on wheat production in India.