Climate change has significantly impacted farming in India, posing numerous challenges to the farmers and affecting agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Various climate change-induced conditions such as erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, heatwaves, changing pest and disease patterns, reduced water availability, changing cropping patterns, crop failures and reduced yields etc. have been seriously impacting agricultural practices and farm earnings in our country.

Recent evidence shows that India experienced extreme weather on 331 out of 334 days in 2025, damaging over 17 million hectares of cropped area, highlighting the scale of vulnerability in the farm sector. Scientific studies further note that shifting rainfall patterns and temperature rise directly affect yields of key crops like wheat, rice and pulses, while also increasing pest attacks and soil degradation.

The 2026 “Extreme Heat and Agriculture” report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that extreme heat is “pushing agrifood systems to the brink” and acting as a “risk multiplier.” The report highlighted that the frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves have increased sharply, pushing agrifood systems “to the brink.” Crop productivity declines once temperatures exceed about 30°C, while livestock begin experiencing stress above 25°C, leading to reduced yields, fertility issues and even mortality. Beyond direct impacts, heat interacts with drought, humidity and wind to trigger compound events like flash droughts and wildfires, amplifying damage across crops, livestock, fisheries and forests.

Agricultural workers are among the most exposed, with the report estimating that in hot regions, especially the tropics, up to 250 days per year could become unsafe for outdoor farm work under extreme scenarios. This translates into massive productivity losses, declining rural incomes, and heightened food insecurity.

India is identified as one of the most vulnerable regions, particularly the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP). The report has positioned India (especially the IGP) as a hotspot where extreme heat acts as a risk multiplier, worsening vulnerabilities in food production and rural livelihoods. It stresses the need for urgent adaptation measures, such as heat-tolerant crop varieties, improved early warning systems, and better worker protection, to safeguard India’s food security.

The report noted that nearly 46% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, making the country particularly exposed to the combined effects of extreme heat on crops, livestock and human health.

Addressing these climate change driven challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including adaptation strategies such as improved irrigation systems, the use of climate-resilient crop varieties, sustainable water management practices, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural techniques. Policy interventions, investment in research and development, and support for farmer education and training are also crucial for building resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.

Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture

The Government has identified 310 of 651 agricultural districts as climate-vulnerable and is expanding climate-resilient farming nationwide. Under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) programme by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), districts are assessed for climate risks and supported with adaptive technologies. Of these, 109 districts are “very highly” vulnerable and 201 “highly” vulnerable, with District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) prepared for all districts to guide location-specific farming practices.

To strengthen resilience, 448 Climate Resilient Villages across 151 vulnerable districts are showcasing practices like seed banks, community nurseries, and stress-tolerant crop varieties. Capacity building is being scaled up through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), with over 18.5 lakh farmers trained. ICAR has also developed 2,900 crop varieties, most of them stress-tolerant.

Further, the government is integrating digital tools, including AI-based platforms like Kisan e-Mitra, Bharat VISTAAR, and the National Pest Surveillance System, to provide real-time advisories, pest alerts, and market information, enhancing farmers’ ability to adapt to climate risks.

 

References

1. Extreme heat and agriculture, FAO–WMO joint report, April 2026
2. Government maps climate risk in 651 districts; scales up climate-resilient farming across India, DD News, March 25, 2026
3. Strategies to Protect Farmers from Climate Change, Press Information Bureau, March 27, 2026