Developing Climate-Resilient Seeds: A Necessity for Indian…

The article discusses the challenges faced by Indian farmers due to climate change and the development of climate-resilient rice seeds. Farmers like P. Ravinder Reddy are adopting new seed varieties that promise better yields and disease resistance, backed by government initiatives and research efforts. The urgency for such innovations is underscored by food insecurity statistics. Ensuring accessibility, knowledge, and favorable pricing for these seeds is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices in India.

In India, a country that ranks among the largest global producers and consumers of vital crops such as wheat and rice, climate change is significantly affecting agricultural productivity. Unpredictable rain patterns and rising temperatures are presenting challenges to farmers like P. Ravinder Reddy in Rayanpet, a village in southern India. Having transitioned from a military career to agriculture, Mr. Reddy states, “We used to know when it would rain and for how long and we sowed our seeds accordingly. Now it’s so unpredictable and many times the seeds don’t sprout…”. To mitigate these adverse effects, agricultural research organizations in India are diligently developing engineered rice seeds that demonstrate greater resilience to climatic variations. Mr. Reddy has adopted these new seed varieties over the past five years, reporting increased yields while requiring less water and showing enhanced resistance to diseases. “I have planted them across a quarter of my 25-acre field because there’s still demand for older varieties but I think in a few years, we will use only these tougher seeds,” he expressed. As climate change continues to escalate, the urgency for developing resilient seeds becomes paramount, given the alarming statistic that over 700 million people globally faced hunger last year, as reported by the United Nations. In India, where approximately 120 million farmers manage less than five acres of land, erratic rainfall, heightened temperatures, and increased pest invasions jeopardize their livelihoods. Experts urge the necessity for climate-resilient crops, as these seeds must address a multitude of challenges. Ashok Kumar Singh, a former director of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, stated, “We really need these seeds to deal with these multiple issues created by global warming,” citing a successful release of over 2,000 climate-resilient seed varieties in recent years. In response to the pressing need for resilient crops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 climate-resilient seed varieties earlier this year, aiming for at least 25% of paddy cultivation to utilize these seeds in the upcoming “kharif” season. Furthermore, Janila Pasupuleti from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics added, “We are breeding for multiple stressors, including heat and disease resistance,” ensuring stability in yields and improved nutritional quality. Despite the advancements in seed development, ensuring that these seeds reach farmers effectively is equally crucial. Aditi Mukherji from the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research emphasized, “Ensuring that farmers know about such seeds, can afford them, and are trained to use them properly is as important as creating the seeds.” The historical context of the Green Revolution illustrates that coordinated services can significantly impact agricultural success. As Mr. Reddy prepares to sow rice seeds for the forthcoming winter, he hopes to increase the cultivated area of climate-resilient crops, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation in seed technology alongside government support for favorable pricing post-harvest. “It’s good to keep trying new seeds as after some time all of them will have some issue or the other. If the government can also make sure we get good prices for our crops after harvest, that would help farmers like us a great deal,” asserted Mr. Reddy.

This article addresses the critical challenges posed by climate change to agricultural practices in India, particularly concerning the production of wheat and rice. Farmers are experiencing significant difficulties due to unpredictable weather patterns, necessitating the development of climate-resilient seeds. Research organizations are responding to this challenge by engineering seeds that can better withstand increased temperatures, varying rainfall, and pest infestations. Given that a substantial portion of the global population suffers from food insecurity, the urgency to implement such agricultural innovations has never been greater. The initiative led by both government and research institutions reflects a concerted effort to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and ensure food security in India and beyond.

In conclusion, the need for climate-resilient seeds in India is increasingly vital as farmers face the detrimental impacts of climate change on agriculture. The efforts of research organizations and governmental initiatives aim to develop and disseminate tougher seed varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. However, the successful implementation of these initiatives will also depend on educational outreach and market accessibility for farmers. By fostering an environment of innovation and support, India can strive towards a more sustainable agricultural future amid changing climatic conditions.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com