Sustaining Indian Agriculture in the Era of Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change has moved to the top of the world's environmental agenda. Agriculture is an economic activity that is highly dependent on climate in order to produce the food and fiber necessary to sustain human life. The agriculture in India is highly sensitive to variations of weather and climate. The history of Indian agriculture reflect a series of adaptation. Soil, water, terrain, climate, technological developments and market factors provide constraints and opportunity for agricultural productions. Climate change has already been a reality for Indian farmers. These changes over time represent stimuli that affect the success of farming activities negatively and that prompt adjustments to altered circumstances. Since the inceptions of 'sustainable agriculture' in Rio Summit in 1992, a diverse range of approaches are put forward by researchers, state organization, non governmental development bodies, private organization in India but guided by the basic principle of sustainability. Sustainable agriculture must be economically viable, socially responsible and conserve land, water, genetic and other resources for future generation. The aim of this review is to highlight the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture in India and the status of mitigation and adaptation strategies to sustain the Indian agriculture.