Agrometeorological impact assessment of natural disasters and extreme events and agricultural strategies adopted in areas with high weather risks

Abstract

Agricultural production is highly dependent on weather, climate and water availability and is adversely affected by the weather and climate related disasters. Impacts of extreme events on the agricultural sector can be positive or negative. While it is easier to contemplate negative impacts of extreme events such as droughts, tropical cyclones and floods, there are several positive impacts or benefits of extreme events. In order to assess the impact of weather disaster on agriculture, one must link two fundamental aspects, first, the disaster proper i.e. the destructive power of the event and secondly, the characteristics of the agricultural system which has been hit. Agricultural planning and practices need to be worked out with consideration to the overall water requirements within an individual agroclimatic zone. Sustainable strategies must be developed to alleviate the impact of natural disasters on crop productivity. All such strategies are location, time, crop, crop stage and socio-economic condition specific. Remote sensing satellite information helps minimise damages e.g. the death of cattle, humans etc. and the damage of agricultural production in time of natural calamities by early warning system. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.