Hindu Editorial Analysis : 13-September-2023

In recent years, India has witnessed a series of disruptive climate phenomena, including Western disturbances and El Niño, which have posed significant challenges to its rainfed agriculture. These climate events have had far-reaching consequences on food security in the country. This essay explores the impact of these climate phenomena and discusses the challenges they pose to food security in India, along with potential solutions.

Western Disturbances and El Niño: Recent Climate Events

Western Disturbances

  • Normally bring moisture from European seas to western Himalayas and northern India.
  • In recent years, these disturbances have extended late into summer, affecting precipitation patterns.
  • Interference with the southwest monsoon.

El Niño

  • Part of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), occurring in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Intensification of El Niño can influence the southwest monsoon in India.
  • Studies show a link between El Niño and heavy rainfall events.

Declining Monsoon Precipitation

  • Monsoon precipitation has been decreasing since the 1950s.
  • Linked to reduced land-sea temperature gradients due to sea warming.
  • Increased frequency of intense rain events and heat stress align with climate change predictions.
Challenges to Food Security

Climate Impact on Plant Growth

  • Climate phenomena delay rains, affect sowing, and harm plant growth and soil moisture.
  • Rainfed agriculture plays a crucial role in food and nutritional security.

Irrigated Areas

  • Even irrigated crops rely on green water (rainwater) in specific seasons.
  • For instance, soybean production declined significantly during the 2015-2016 El Niño year.

Increased Food Preparation Costs

  • The cost of preparing food at home has risen significantly in recent years.
  • Wages have not kept pace, affecting purchasing power and food consumption.
Potential Solutions

Reducing Water-Intensive Crops

  • Emphasis on shifting away from water-intensive crops to drought-resistant options like millets.
  • Reduces vulnerability to climate events like El Niño.

Increasing Agricultural Yield

  • India’s agricultural yield lags behind East Asia.
  • Focus on raising yield through improved farming practices, research, and extension services.
  • Attention to irrigation expansion and land leasing reforms.

Improved Weather Forecasts

  • Enhanced weather forecasts and early warning systems for intense rain and dry spells.
  • Better preparedness for climate events.

Efficient Water Reservoir Management

  • Reevaluate the management of dams and reservoirs to reduce flood risks and ecological damage.

Green Revolution Reforms

  • Correct past mistakes of the Green Revolution.
  • Address issues like excessive chemical fertilizer use, procurement price focus, and cereal-centric policies.
  • Promote sustainable agriculture and protein-rich crops.
Why In News

El Niño and various climate phenomena exert a multifaceted influence on rainfed agriculture, exacerbating the already daunting issue of food insecurity. These climatic disruptions disrupt rainfall patterns and alter growing conditions, intensifying the struggle to ensure a stable food supply.

MCQs about Climate-Induced Food Security Challenges and Solutions in India

  1. Why is there a growing concern about the cost of preparing food in India?
    A. The price of cooking oil has skyrocketed
    B. Wages for manual workers have increased significantly
    C. The cost of food preparation at home has risen disproportionately
    D. The government has imposed higher taxes on food ingredients
    Correct Answer: C. The cost of food preparation at home has risen disproportionately compared to wage increases, impacting purchasing power and food consumption.
  2. What is the suggested solution to reduce India’s vulnerability to climate events like El Niño?
    A. Increasing the use of chemical fertilizers
    B. Promoting the cultivation of water-intensive crops
    C. Shifting away from water-intensive crops to drought-resistant options
    D. Relying solely on irrigation for crop production
    Correct Answer: C. Shifting away from water-intensive crops to drought-resistant options like millets is suggested as a solution to reduce vulnerability to climate events like El Niño.
  3. What is the primary reason behind the decline in monsoon precipitation in India since the 1950s?
    A. Increased land-sea thermal gradient
    B. Reduced reliance on irrigation
    C. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers
    D. Growing government subsidies for farmers
    Correct Answer: A. The decline in monsoon precipitation in India since the 1950s is primarily attributed to the reduction in the land-sea thermal gradient due to the warming of the seas.

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