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Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production l UPSC CSE Notes

 

Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production l UPSC CSE Notes

Introduction

India's wheat production is facing significant challenges due to climate change. February 2025 was recorded as the hottest in 124 years, intensifying the risks to wheat crops. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and frequent heat waves are disrupting the wheat growing cycle, impacting yield, quality, and food security. This article explores the effects of climate change on wheat production in India, its economic consequences, and adaptive strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Impact of Rising Temperatures on Wheat Production

1. Record-Breaking Temperatures

  • February 2025 was India's hottest February in 124 years, with extreme heat expected in March.

  • Unseasonal temperature spikes during the crucial grain-filling stage reduce wheat yields.

2. Delayed Sowing Patterns

  • Warming of the Indian Ocean has disrupted the kharif season, leading to delays in wheat sowing.

  • Late sowing exposes wheat crops to early-season heat stress, impacting growth and productivity.

3. Frequent Marine Heat Waves

  • IITM projects up to 250 marine heat wave days annually by 2100, exacerbating climate risks.

  • Rising ocean temperatures influence monsoon variability, affecting agricultural cycles.

4. Lower Procurement Targets

  • Despite a production target of 115 million tones for 2024-25, the government reduced procurement expectations to 30 million tones.

  • Climate uncertainties have forced policymakers to reassess food stock strategies.

5. Export Restrictions

  • Wheat exports were banned in May 2022 due to climate-induced supply constraints and geopolitical disruptions.

  • Restrictions continue to ensure stable domestic wheat availability and control price inflation.

Effects of Climate Change on Wheat Production

1. Reduced Yield

  • Rising temperatures accelerate ripening, leading to early flowering and shorter grain-filling periods.

  • This results in reduced wheat yield and lower per-hectare production.

2. Degraded Grain Quality

  • Heat stress lowers starch content, leading to harder grains with lower milling quality.

  • Poor-quality wheat fetches lower market prices, impacting farmer earnings.

3. Resource Misuse

  • Farmers overuse fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides to combat climate stress, degrading soil health.

  • Excessive agrochemical use contributes to declining land productivity and environmental hazards.

4. Economic Distress

  • Wheat procurement in 2024-25 stood at 26.6 million tonnes, falling short of the 34.15 million tonnes target.

  • Farmers faced income losses due to lower procurement and fluctuating market prices.

5. Threat to Food Security

  • Reduced wheat supply pressures the Public Distribution System (PDS), impacting food availability.

  • Price inflation and reduced buffer stocks pose risks to national food security.

Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

1. Heat-Resilient Crop Varieties

  • Developing wheat varieties with shorter growth cycles minimizes exposure to peak heat stress.

  • Research on drought and heat-resistant strains is crucial for climate adaptation.

2. Early Sowing Practices

  • Encouraging earlier sowing helps crops avoid extreme summer temperatures during maturation.

  • Adjusting sowing windows can optimize yield and crop resilience.

3. Enhanced Weather Monitoring

  • Strengthening real-time weather advisory systems enables farmers to make informed decisions.

  • Advanced forecasting tools assist in planning irrigation and pest management.

4. Precision Farming Techniques

  • Adopting precision agriculture methods like drip irrigation, soil sensors, and controlled fertilizer use improves efficiency.

  • Water conservation practices help sustain agricultural productivity in changing climates.

5. Policy Support

  • Expanding crop insurance schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), can mitigate financial losses.

  • Climate-specific insurance and credit facilities provide a safety net for farmers.

Conclusion

Climate change poses a growing threat to India's wheat production, reducing yields, affecting quality, and straining farmer incomes. While short-term financial relief is essential, long-term adaptation strategies such as climate-resilient crops, improved weather forecasting, and precision farming techniques are crucial for ensuring sustainable wheat production and national food security.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. What is the primary impact of rising temperatures on wheat production?

A) Increased wheat yield
B) Enhanced grain quality
C) Early ripening and reduced yield
D) Extended grain-filling period
Answer: C) Early ripening and reduced yield

2. Which of the following factors has disrupted wheat sowing patterns in India?

A) Decline in rainfall
B) Indian Ocean warming
C) Reduced government subsidies
D) Increase in wheat exports
Answer: B) Indian Ocean warming

3. What is a key adaptation strategy for wheat farming under climate change?

A) Increased pesticide use
B) Switching to rainfed agriculture
C) Early sowing and heat-resistant varieties
D) Complete ban on fertilizer use
Answer: C) Early sowing and heat-resistant varieties

4. Why did the Indian government impose wheat export restrictions in 2022?

A) Surplus wheat production
B) Increased global demand
C) Climate-induced production decline and domestic supply concerns
D) To promote organic farming
Answer: C) Climate-induced production decline and domestic supply concerns

5. How does precision farming help mitigate climate risks in wheat production?

A) Increases pesticide usage
B) Reduces water and nutrient wastage
C) Extends the crop cycle
D) Limits technological interventions
Answer: B) Reduces water and nutrient wastage

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change, discuss the need for crop insurance. Highlight the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and suggest measures for its effective implementation.

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