Daily Current Affairs : 9-September-2023
Climate change, a pressing global concern, has far-reaching implications for agriculture. A recent study conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (ICAR-AICRP) has revealed significant shifts in pearl millet cultivation zones in India.
Understanding Pearl Millet Cultivation Zones
India has historically classified pearl millet cultivation zones based on rainfall patterns and soil types. These classifications help farmers make informed decisions regarding crop selection and farming practices. The zones include:
- Zone ‘A1’:
- Arid regions of Rajasthan receiving less than 400 millimeters (mm) of rainfall.
- Zone ‘A’:
- Semi-arid regions in north and central India, including parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, receiving more than 400 mm of rainfall annually.
- Zone ‘B’:
- Semi-arid regions with heavy soils in southern and central western India receiving over 400 mm of rainfall.
Climate Change’s Impact on Pearl Millet Zones
The study conducted by ICRISAT and ICAR-AICRP identified a significant transformation in these cultivation zones due to climate change:
Shift to Zone ‘AE1’: Between 1998 and 2017, India’s core pearl millet production zone shifted to Zone ‘AE1’, covering eastern Rajasthan and Haryana. This zone now accounts for 39 percent of the country’s pearl millet production. Key factors contributing to this shift include:
- Increased Rainfall:
- Human-induced climate change has led to a substantial increase in rainfall in Zone ‘AE1’. This has made it a more favorable region for pearl millet cultivation.
- Technological Investments:
- Farmers in Zone ‘AE1’ have embraced technological advancements in irrigation, fertilization, and the adoption of new pearl millet varieties. These investments have favored intensified cultivation practices, resulting in increased production.
Zone ‘AE2’: Another significant finding of the study was in Zone ‘AE2’, which covers 12 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Here, a moderate increase in rainfall between 1998 and 2017 contributed to an average increase of 1,860 kg per hectare in pearl millet (bajra) production.
Impact on Zone ‘G’: Conversely, Zone ‘G’, encompassing seven districts in Gujarat, has experienced shifts in cultivation patterns. Increased rainfall attributed to climate change has prompted farmers to transition from pearl millet to cash crops like cotton and castor beans.
Implications for Agriculture
The study’s findings have several implications for Indian agriculture:
- Adaptive Strategies:
- Farmers in shifting zones need to adapt their agricultural practices to capitalize on the changing climate conditions. This includes selecting suitable crop varieties and adopting modern farming techniques.
- Sustainable Agriculture:
- Sustainable agriculture practices, such as water-efficient irrigation methods and diversified crop choices, should be encouraged to mitigate the impact of climate change on pearl millet production.
- Research and Development:
- Continued research and development efforts are essential to identify climate-resilient pearl millet varieties and innovative farming practices.
Important Points:
- Climate change has led to significant shifts in pearl millet cultivation zones in India.
- The study was conducted by ICRISAT and ICAR-AICRP, utilizing crop models and digital technology.
- India classifies pearl millet cultivation zones based on rainfall patterns and soil types, including Zones ‘A1,’ ‘A,’ and ‘B.’
- Human-induced climate change has caused an increase in rainfall, leading to changes in cultivation zones.
- Zone ‘AE1,’ covering eastern Rajasthan and Haryana, has become India’s primary pearl millet production area, accounting for 39 percent of production.
- Investments in irrigation, fertilization, and new pearl millet varieties have contributed to increased production in Zone ‘AE1.’
- Zone ‘AE2,’ encompassing parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, has also seen increased pearl millet production due to moderate rainfall increments.
- In contrast, Zone ‘G,’ in Gujarat, has witnessed farmers shifting from pearl millet to cash crops like cotton and castor beans due to increased rainfall.
- Implications for agriculture include the need for adaptive strategies in changing zones, sustainable farming practices, and ongoing research and development efforts to address climate change challenges.
- Collaboration between farmers and policymakers is essential to ensure food security amidst shifting cultivation landscapes caused by climate change.
Why In News
A recent study reveals that climate change has wrought significant transformations in pearl millet cultivation zones across India. These changes have posed both challenges and opportunities for farmers, necessitating innovative adaptation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security in the face of shifting climatic conditions.
MCQs about Pearl Millet’s Changing Landscape in India
-
What has been the primary cause of shifts in pearl millet cultivation zones in India?
A) Soil erosion
B) Technological advancements
C) Human-induced climate change
D) Changes in government policies
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Which region in India has become the core pearl millet production area, accounting for 39 percent of production, due to climate change and technological investments?
A) Northern Rajasthan
B) Southern Gujarat
C) Eastern Rajasthan and Haryana
D) Western Uttar Pradesh
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What is the primary implication for agriculture discussed in the essay regarding these shifts in pearl millet cultivation zones?
A) Reduced need for sustainable practices
B) Increased reliance on traditional farming methods
C) The necessity for adaptive strategies
D) Decreased importance of research and development
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Which zone, covering parts of Gujarat, has seen farmers switching from pearl millet to cash crops like cotton and castor beans due to increased rainfall attributed to climate change?
A) Zone ‘A1’
B) Zone ‘AE1’
C) Zone ‘AE2’
D) Zone ‘G’
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