Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-May-2024
Climate phenomena like El Niño significantly affect agriculture, particularly rainfed farming, leading to food insecurity. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies to ensure food availability.
Recent Climate Changes
Western Disturbances
In India, recent weather changes include western disturbances, which typically bring moisture from Europe to the Himalayas during winter and spring. However, this year, these disturbances continued late into summer, overlapping with the southwest monsoon season. This unusual weather pattern can disrupt regular rainfall.
El Niño
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that originates in the eastern and central tropical Pacific Ocean. It is known to influence the southwest monsoon in India. Studies show that 43% of heavy rainfall events in the northeast monsoon, including the devastating 2015 Chennai floods, coincided with El Niño occurrences.
Monsoon Precipitation Trends
Since the 1950s, monsoon precipitation has been declining. This reduction is attributed to changes in the land-sea thermal gradient caused by warming oceans. Interestingly, while the overall amount of rain has decreased, the frequency of intense rain events has increased, leading to higher heat and moisture stress.
Challenges to Food Security
Impact on Agriculture
Climate phenomena like El Niño disrupt rainfed agriculture in several ways:
- Delayed Rains: This affects planting schedules.
- High Temperatures: Elevated temperatures can hinder plant growth and reduce soil moisture.
In India, our diet relies heavily on rainfed agriculture, requiring about 3,268 liters of water per person daily. A significant portion of this water comes from rain, underscoring the importance of consistent rainfall.
Issues in Irrigated Areas
Even in irrigated regions, crops still depend on rainwater. For instance, rice in the kharif season relies on green water for about 35%. During the El Niño year of 2015-2016, soybean production dropped by 28% compared to previous averages.
Rising Food Costs
In recent years, the cost of preparing meals has surged by 65%, while wages have only increased by 28-38%. This gap suggests a decline in purchasing power, likely affecting food consumption.
Suggestions for Improvement
Crop Selection
To enhance food security, there should be a shift towards less water-intensive crops, such as millets. This transition can reduce the vulnerability of food systems to climatic variations like El Niño.
Boosting Agricultural Yields
India’s agricultural yield is lower than that of East Asia. Efforts should focus on:
- Extending irrigation to all farmland.
- Removing restrictions on land leasing.
- Accelerating agricultural research and support services.
Enhanced Weather Forecasts
Improving weather forecasts is vital for farmers and policymakers. Accurate predictions about El Niño and its effects can help in planning and preparation for varying rainfall patterns.
Efficient Water Management
Reassessing the management of dams and reservoirs can help mitigate flood risks and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Learning from the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution once transformed Indian agriculture, providing high-yielding seeds and support to farmers. However, it also led to over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, which damaged soil health. Rather than criticizing past mistakes, we should focus on correcting them to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Why In News
El Niño and other climate phenomena affect rainfed agriculture in many ways, leading to the challenge of food insecurity, as unpredictable weather patterns disrupt planting schedules and diminish crop yields.
MCQs about The Impact of Climate Phenomena on Agriculture and Food Security
- What is the primary impact of El Niño on rainfed agriculture?
A. Increased soil fertility
B. Disruption of planting schedules
C. Enhanced crop yields
D. Consistent rainfall patterns
- Which phenomenon is associated with heavy rainfall events in India, particularly in the northeast monsoon?
A. La Niña
B. Western Disturbance
C. El Niño
D. Green Revolution
- What is one of the suggestions for improving food security in the face of climate challenges?
A. Increase dependence on water-intensive crops
B. Focus solely on cereals
C. Shift to less water-intensive crops
D. Limit agricultural research
- What has been a significant consequence of rising food preparation costs in India?
A. Increase in crop yields
B. Enhanced purchasing power
C. Decrease in food consumption
D. Improved agricultural practices
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