The Union government is gearing up to unveil an ambitious framework aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture across 50,000 villages in climatically vulnerable districts. The initiative, part of a national programme on climate-resilient agriculture, is expected to be launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as part of their 100-day agenda. According to sources, the proposal is likely to receive approval from the Union Cabinet soon.
Focus on Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to introduce climate-resilient crop varieties in these targeted villages. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has already developed over 2,000 such varieties designed to enhance food production. These include both abiotic stress-tolerant and biotic stress-tolerant varieties, capable of withstanding various environmental stresses.
Key Measures for Sustainable Agriculture
Although the detailed framework is still under development, it is expected to include several crucial measures. These may involve promoting crops that require less water, conserving water sources in the affected areas, and closely monitoring fertiliser inputs to ensure sustainable farming practices. The initiative aims to address the challenges posed by climate change to agriculture, ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
Selection of Vulnerable Districts
Officials will select 50,000 villages from 310 districts identified as climatically vulnerable. These districts span 27 states, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number of districts (48), followed by Rajasthan (27). The initiative will primarily focus on these 310 districts, targeting the regions most at risk from climate change impacts.
Funding and Duration
The programme is planned to run for five years, with most of its funding sourced through convergence with existing schemes. This strategic approach aims to optimise resources and ensure effective implementation of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Voluntary Carbon Market Project
In addition to the climate-resilient agriculture initiative, the Agriculture Ministry also plans to launch a voluntary carbon market project. This project will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enabling farmers to participate in carbon trading and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Union government’s comprehensive plan to promote climate-resilient agriculture in 50,000 villages marks a significant step towards safeguarding the agricultural sector against the impacts of climate change. By introducing resilient crop varieties, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative aims to secure the future of farming communities across India.