Daily Current Affairs : 5-July-2023
A new study titled “Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India” has shed light on the importance of climate-smart agricultural interventions. The study focuses on two main Rabi cereals in India, namely wheat and jowar, and highlights the need for sustainable practices in the face of climate change.
Water Requirements and Decline in Yields
The study reveals that wheat consumes 1.4 times more water than jowar due to its extended growth cycle into the summer season. This disparity in water requirements has significant implications for future cultivation practices.
Without substantial modifications in wheat cultivation practices, the study predicts a potential 5% decline in yields by 2040. Additionally, there will be a considerable increase in the water footprint associated with wheat production. In contrast, jowar is projected to experience a mere 4% increase in water footprint under the same climate projections, making it a more sustainable option for future production.
The Urgent Need for Climate-Smart Approaches
Given the challenges posed by climate change, there is an urgent need for climate-smart agricultural approaches, particularly during the rabi season. This study highlights the potential of jowar, with its resilient nature and reduced water requirements compared to wheat, to play a transformative role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on Indian agriculture.
About Jowar
Jowar, scientifically known as Sorghum, is the most important food and fodder crop in dryland agriculture. It originated in India and Africa and is primarily concentrated in the peninsular and central regions of India.
Major Jowar Growing States
Jowar cultivation is predominant in several states across India. The major jowar-growing states include Maharashtra, which accounts for around 54% of production, along with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (specifically the Bundelkhand region), and Tamil Nadu.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Sorghum plants are highly adaptable and can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. They can be successfully grown under temperatures ranging between 15°C to 40°C and annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 1000 mm.
While jowar can be cultivated in various soil types, clayey loam soil rich in humus is considered the most ideal for its growth.
Important Points:
- A new study titled “Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India” highlights the need for climate-smart agricultural interventions.
- The study focuses on wheat and jowar, two main Rabi cereals in India.
- Wheat consumes 1.4 times more water than jowar due to its extended growth cycle into the summer season.
- Without modifications in wheat cultivation practices, the study predicts a potential 5% decline in yields and a considerable increase in water footprint by 2040.
- Jowar is projected to experience a mere 4% increase in water footprint under the same climate projections, making it a more sustainable option for future production.
- Climate-smart agricultural approaches are urgently needed, particularly during the rabi season.
- Jowar, with its resilient nature and reduced water requirements compared to wheat, could play a transformative role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on Indian agriculture.
- Jowar, scientifically known as Sorghum, is the most important food and fodder crop in dryland agriculture.
- Major jowar-growing states in India include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (specifically the Bundelkhand region), and Tamil Nadu.
- Sorghum plants are highly adaptable and can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.
- Jowar can be successfully grown under temperatures ranging between 15°C to 40°C and annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 1000 mm.
- Clayey loam soil rich in humus is considered the most ideal for jowar cultivation.
- Promoting the cultivation of jowar and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices can contribute to a resilient and sustainable future for the agriculture sector in India.
Why In News
A new groundbreaking study, titled “Climate resilience of dry season cereals in India,” sheds light on the urgent requirement for climate-smart agricultural interventions to address the challenges faced by two critical Rabi cereals in India, namely wheat and jowar. This study emphasizes the pressing need to develop innovative farming techniques and resilient crop varieties that can withstand the escalating impacts of climate change, ensuring food security and sustainability for India’s agricultural sector.
MCQs about The Promise of Jowar in a Changing Climate
-
Which type of soil is considered ideal for jowar cultivation?
A. Sandy soil
B. Clayey loam soil rich in humus
C. Rocky soil
D. Loamy soil
-
Which region in India has the highest jowar production?
A. Maharashtra
B. Gujarat
C. Rajasthan
D. Tamil Nadu
-
Which of the following cereals consumes more water in India?
A. Wheat
B. Jowar
C. Rice
D. Maize
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
