Impact of climate change on agricultural productivity

Abstract

The emerging uncertainties due to climate change and climatic variability are likely to aggravate the problems of future food security by exerting pressure on agriculture. Simulation models project an increase of 1.8–4.0°C in global surface air temperatures in the next few decades that will result in large yield reductions in many regions. These increases in temperature will probably offset the likely benefi ts of increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide on crop plants. The researchers face an immense challenge of meeting the needs of future generations in the face of both population growth and climate change. The development of climate smart crops needs to be considered on priority as it will make researchers and farmers proactive for the impending adversaries. However, the development of improved cultivars raised to improve yields and enhance adaptation to climate change will have to be complemented by improved crop and agronomic practices. This chapter focuses on the impact of climate change on growth and yield of the food security crops, viz., rice and wheat. Sustainable agronomic and resource management practices that can contribute to climate change mitigation have also been discussed.