Unpredictable weather patterns and increasing heat are posing challenges for farmers in Rayanpet, a village in India’s arid south. Former soldier turned farmer, P. Ravinder Reddy, has been experiencing these challenges for the past sixteen years. However, with the help of agricultural research organizations in India, he has been able to experiment with climate-resilient rice seeds that are yielding better results with less water usage and increased disease resistance.
India, as one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of wheat and rice, has been focusing on developing seeds that can increase yields, withstand drought, and resist plant diseases. The changing climate has led to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, highlighting the importance of resilient seeds that can produce food reliably. Programs in the United States and other countries are also working on developing climate-resilient crops to address the global issue of food insecurity.
As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, India’s agricultural sector is under threat from erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and pest infestations. Farmers are adopting natural farming techniques, but the federal government is promoting the use of climate-resilient seeds that can maintain yields. The increasing salinity in groundwater, heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising nighttime temperatures all pose challenges for rice production, making the development of resilient seeds crucial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released 109 climate-resilient seeds across various crops, including cereals, pulses, and oilseeds like peanuts. The government plans to ensure that at least 25% of paddy fields in India will be sowed with climate-resilient seeds in the upcoming winter crop season. These seeds are being developed to withstand multiple stressors such as heat and diseases, stabilizing yields and enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops.
While scientists continue to create climate-resilient seeds, ensuring that these seeds reach a maximum number of farmers is critical. Aditi Mukherji, director for climate change at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, emphasizes the importance of making these seeds affordable and accessible to farmers. Agriculture scientists also stress the need for increased funding for research and development to support the ongoing efforts in creating climate-resilient crops.
In Rayanpet village, farmer P. Ravinder Reddy is preparing to sow rice seeds for the upcoming winter season with hopes of expanding the area that receives climate-resilient seeds. He believes that trying new seeds is essential to cope with changing climate conditions, and emphasizes the importance of fair prices for crops after harvest. As the agriculture sector in India continues to face challenges from climate change, the development and implementation of climate-resilient seeds are crucial for ensuring food security and sustainability in the future.
