India is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with its rural population, especially farmers, being among the hardest hit. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones are threatening agricultural productivity and, consequently, the livelihoods of millions of rural Indians.
Farmers in regions like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh are grappling with the effects of erratic monsoons. Traditionally, agriculture in India has been heavily dependent on the monsoon season, which provides the majority of the country’s water for irrigation. However, as climate change disrupts the timing and intensity of monsoon rains, farmers are experiencing crop failures, lower yields, and financial losses.
The Indian government has responded to these challenges with several adaptation and mitigation strategies. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes missions focused on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and forest management. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance to protect farmers from losses due to weather-related events. However, despite these efforts, many farmers remain vulnerable due to lack of awareness, inadequate implementation, and limited access to insurance.
In response to these challenges, some farmers are adopting climate-resilient practices, such as rainwater harvesting, crop diversification, and the use of drought-resistant seeds. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also playing a vital role in educating farmers about sustainable farming methods and promoting community-based solutions.
Nevertheless, the rural population faces ongoing uncertainty as the impacts of climate change intensify. To safeguard rural livelihoods, India will need to continue investing in climate adaptation strategies, improve the resilience of its agricultural systems, and provide more comprehensive support for farmers.
