Armed with new resilient crop varieties, farmers in India are increasingly learning to live with extreme climate changes and protect their farms
In a strategic response to last year's devastating losses caused by a terminal heatwave, Indian farmers are shifting towards climate-resilient wheat varieties, now covering over 60 percent of the total sown area spanning 30.86 million hectares.
Agriculture Commissioner A. P. K. Singh revealed that this proactive measure aims to safeguard the main winter crop, wheat, whose sowing typically commences in November, with harvesting scheduled for March–April.
With paddy harvesting stretching abnormally, there has been a delay in wheat sowing, leading to a decline in the wheat-sown area, according to Singh. Regardless, the government's initiative to promote climate-resilient wheat varieties has surpassed its 60 percent target, offering a crucial defence against heat-related challenges.
Singh noted the importance of exceeding last year's adoption rate (45 percent) of these varieties, emphasising their potential role in mitigating any impending heatwave-related problems in March–April 2024. Recalling the significant yield reduction caused by a scorching heatwave in March 2022, Singh highlighted the necessity of preparing farmers for potential adversities.
The government has taken the initiative to equip farmers with scientific knowledge regarding crop care. To achieve this, they have started issuing weekly advisories that educate farmers on caring for their crops during different growth stages and weather conditions.
Unlike the previous practice of issuing bi-weekly advisories, the enhanced frequency ensures that farmers are well-prepared in advance. The goal is to foster awareness and resilience against production challenges.
As of December 22, in the ongoing rabi season, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed an increase in wheat-sown area, reaching 9.44 million hectares from 9.29 million hectares in the previous year.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh's wheat-sown area has marginally decreased from 8.39 million hectares to 8.17 million hectares. Punjab and Haryana have maintained last year's levels at 3.49 million hectares and 2.31 million hectares, respectively.