Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-May-2023
The Group of Seven (G7) is an intergovernmental organization formed in 1975, consisting of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US. The G7 meets annually to discuss global economic governance, international security, and energy policy. While the G7 does not have a formal constitution or fixed headquarters, its decisions during annual summits are non-binding. One of the major purposes of the G7 is to deliberate on international economic issues and occasionally act together to address global problems.
Climate Change Impacts and India’s Concern
Climate change poses severe costs to human lives and livelihoods, particularly in the agriculture sector. India, with the largest agricultural workforce among G20 countries, faces disproportionate challenges. The World Meteorological Organization predicts annual near-surface temperature increases of 1.1°C to 1.8°C from 2023 to 2027. Temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels are expected for at least one year during this period. In 2022, India experienced its fifth hottest year on record, which puts immense pressure on its agriculture sector, given its responsibility to feed the largest population.
The Role of Indian Policymakers
To mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture, Indian policymakers can focus on Agricultural Research, Development, Education, and Extension (ARDE). Investing in agri-R&D has proven to yield significant returns compared to other subsidies or infrastructure investments. By increasing emphasis on ARDE, higher agricultural production can be achieved even in the face of climate change. ARDE is critical for improving resource use efficiency, especially for natural resources like soil, water, and air.
Strategies for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Agricultural Research and Development:
- Develop heat-resistant crop varieties to withstand rising temperatures.
- Conduct research on precision agriculture techniques such as drip irrigation to conserve water.
- Implement sensor-based irrigation systems for automated control and improved resource efficiency.
- Explore fertigation and nano-fertilizers to reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer usage.
- Innovative Farming Practices:
- Promote mulching to increase soil organic carbon, conserve water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Scale up experiments with larger allocations of funds to assess their viability.
Analysis of ARDE Allocation
Since 2005-06, the total expenditure on ARDE has increased from $0.91 billion to $2.2 billion in the triennium ending in 2020. The research intensity, measured as ARDE as a percentage of agri-GDP, reached its peak at 0.70% in 2010-11 but declined to 0.48% in 2019-20. The allocation of ARDE by sector shows a skewed distribution towards crop husbandry, with a marginal increase from 75% to 76% between 2008 and 2020. Shares for soil, water conservation, forestry, animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries sectors have declined, despite the increased value of livestock in agri-produce.
Importance of ARDE in Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Climate Resilience:
- ARDE enables scientists and experts to identify climate-resilient crops and varieties through research and development efforts.
- Resource Efficiency:
- ARDE focuses on optimizing the use of key resources like water, soil, and energy through research and innovation.
- Enhanced Productivity:
- By developing high-yielding crop varieties and improving agronomic practices, ARDE enhances agricultural productivity.
- Education and extension programs disseminate knowledge and best practices for sustainable farming.
Why In News
At the Hiroshima Summit 2023, the G7 nations emphasized the urgent need to achieve a peak in global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions no later than 2025, underscoring the criticality of swift and effective actions to combat climate change. The leaders further pledged to collaborate closely on implementing sustainable policies and innovative technologies to expedite the transition towards a carbon-neutral future, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.
MCQs about Enhancing Climate Resilience in Indian Agriculture
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What is the major purpose of the G7?
A. To discuss and deliberate on international economic issues.
B. To address global climate change challenges.
C. To promote international security and defense.
D. To establish a formal constitution and fixed headquarters.
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What can Indian policymakers do to enhance climate resilience in agriculture?
A. Increase subsidies for chemical inputs in farming.
B. Implement sensor-based irrigation systems.
C. Reduce investments in agricultural research and development.
D. Focus on expanding road infrastructure in rural areas.
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What is the importance of ARDE in sustainable agriculture?
A. ARDE focuses on reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
B. ARDE aims to maximize profits in the agriculture sector.
C. ARDE helps in improving transportation infrastructure.
D. ARDE is not relevant to sustainable agriculture.
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How has the allocation of ARDE by sector changed over time in India?
A. There has been an equal distribution of funds across all sectors.
B. The allocation for animal husbandry and fisheries sectors has increased.
C. The allocation for soil, water conservation, and forestry sectors has declined.
D. There has been no change in the sector-wise allocation of ARDE.
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