Climate Change affects agriculture production in more than one way.
Wheat Crop Damage due to unseasonal heavy windy rains in Punjab, India (ndtv news)
Climate Change affect impact is not limited to only one country, but is happening in one form or other all over the globe. Vietnam, Philippines are having very high temperature for this time of the year.
As I write this blog, almost all of India is having unseasonal heavy rains. Temperatures are way below the normal. Contrarily some parts of India are expected to have a higher than normal temperatures causing heat waves. Unseasonal rain, snow, high temperatures are happening all over the globe.
Climate Change has had a significant impact on agriculture produce production around the world. Wheat production has been lower and also of lower grade. Italy reports loss of rice crop losses. Spain reports of olive crop loss. France will enforce water restrictions as the driest winter on record puts the country in a “state of alert” for droughts this summer. There are other such agro losses instances.
Ways Climate Change affects agriculture:
Temperature Changes:
Rising temperatures due to Climate Change can have a significant impact on agriculture production. Extreme heat can damage crops, reduce yields and even lead to complete crop failure.
Changes in Rainfall Patterns:
Climate Change is also altering rainfall patterns in many parts of the world. In some areas, there are prolonged droughts while in others there are heavy rains that lead to floods. These Changes in rainfall patterns can make it difficult for farmers to plan when to plant and harvest crops, and may also lead to crop failures.
Pests and Diseases:
Climate Change is also leading to the spread of new pests and diseases that can damage crops. Warmer temperatures can create ideal conditions for pests and disease-carrying insects to thrive, which can result in reduced crop yields.
Water Scarcity:
As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly significant problem in many parts of the world. Farmers are struggling to find enough water to irrigate their crops, which can lead to reduced yields and crop failures.
Soil Erosion:
Climate Change is also leading to increased soil erosion, which can have a devastating impact on agriculture. As soil erodes, it becomes less fertile, making it difficult to grow crops.
Dealing with Climate Change affect impact on sowing For Wheat And Rice :
Climate Change effect is expected to have significant impacts on the periods of sowings for wheat and rice. Accurate, timely and year round advance weather information to the farmers will play a big role in determining suitable sowing periods.
What Methods To Use For Production Of Vegetables In Areas Affected Due To Climate Change:
Climate Change is altering rainfall patterns in many parts of the world, and in some regions, there may be more frequent and heavier rain events. This can pose a challenge for vegetable production as excess moisture can cause damage to crops and soil. The following are some suggestions:
Use Raised Beds:
Raised beds can help improve drainage and prevent water-logging in the soil. This can reduce the risk of root rot and other water-related diseases. The raised beds can be built using organic materials such as wood or bamboo or by mounding the soil into raised beds.
Mulching:
Mulching is a practice of covering the soil with organic matter such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings. This helps retain moisture in the soil and also reduces the impact of heavy rains on the soil surface. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, which can reduce competition for moisture and nutrients.
Drainage Channels:
Constructing drainage channels or ditches in the field can help divert excess water away from vegetable beds, preventing water-logging and soil erosion.
Use of Tunnels and Greenhouses:
Tunnels and greenhouses can provide a protective barrier against heavy rains and also help maintain optimal growing conditions for vegetables. The structures can be covered with a clear plastic or polythene material to allow light in while keeping the rain out.
Crop Rotation:
Crop rotation is a method where farmers alternate between different vegetable crops in the same field to improve soil health and reduce pests and diseases. This can also help to adapt to changing Climate conditions by selecting crops that are more resilient to heavy rains.
Select Particular Variety Of Seeds/Plants:
Farmers can choose vegetable varieties that are more tolerant to excess moisture and water logging. This can include crops such as water spinach, taro, or water chestnut that can grow well in wet conditions.
Overall, a combination of above methods, and native innovative thinking, can help farmers adapt to the changing Climate conditions and maintain their vegetable production in rain-heavy/drought prone regions. Governmental or NGO/Self Help Groups support and assistance is essential to ensure that methods adopted are sustainable, affordable, and accessible to small-scale farmers.
Areas Likely to be Most Affected and to What Extent:
Climate Change is a global phenomenon, and impacts every region of the world. However, some areas are likely to be more affected than others, depending on a range of factors such as geographic location, natural resources, and socioeconomic conditions.
Arctic Region:
The Arctic is warming at a rate two to three times faster than the global average, leading to the melting of sea ice, permafrost, and glaciers. This is causing sea levels to rise, coastal erosion, and the loss of habitat for Arctic wildlife.
Sub-Saharan Africa:
Climate Change is expected to exacerbate existing challenges in the region, such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and poverty. Droughts and floods are likely to become more frequent and severe, leading to Crop Failures, Livestock Losses, And Displacement of People.
South Asia:
The region is vulnerable to Climate Change impacts such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, and melting of glaciers. These changes are likely to lead to Increased Water Scarcity, Food Insecurity, and Displacement of People.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS):
SIDS are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, which could result in the Loss of Coastal Infrastructure, Displacement of People, and Damage to Ecosystems. Climate Change is also expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in these regions.
Coastal Regions:
Coastal Regions around the world are likely to be affected by Sea Level Rise, Storm Surges, and Coastal Erosion. This could result in the Loss of Property, Infrastructure and Natural Habitats.
The extent of the Climate Change impact in these areas will depend on the severity and frequency of Climate-related events and the ability of communities and governments to adapt and mitigate their effects.
Farmers switch to millet crops
In South Asia, Climate Change is expected to bring about changes in temperature and rainfall pattern, which could affect crop productivity and food security. In some areas, it may be beneficial for farmers to switch to millet crops instead of cereals as a Climate-resilient crop.
Millet crops are drought-tolerant, have a short growing period, and can grow in poor soil conditions. Such characteristics makes millet crops resilient to the impacts of Climate Change, such as droughts, floods, and heat stress.
In addition, millets are recommended as being highly nutritious and said to provide health benefits such as improved digestion, blood sugar control, and cardiovascular health. They are also more affordable than many other grains, making them an important source of food security for smallholder farmers.
However, switching to millets from cereals may not be a viable option for all farmers, as it depends on a range of factors such as market demand, access to seeds, and the availability of irrigation and other resources. Additionally, barriers to the adoption of millets instead of cereals in the population. We all must unitedly make sure climate change affect is minimised.
see also:
Agriculture Practices Mitigate Climate Change and Global Warming
SIX STEPS TO MAKE AGRICULTURE AN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Hi ; I have had opportunity to travel widely and have keen watched whatever farming practices the local farmers were engaged in. Back home been growing gerberas mostly in polyhouses, but outside in kitchen garden as well. i love these hardy perennials. good for business too if done in a routine orderly scientific manner. Also engaged in farming of wheat and organic vegetables on a small scale for me and family. My service profile has been that of an electronic and telecom engineer and now am engaged in web site creation and blogging.
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