Towards climate-resilient crops

Climate change is driving environmental transformations across the globe from wildfires, melting glaciers and increasing sea levels. This part of the world is not immune to the changing climate or its impacts. The negative implications of climate change include rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events like fast blowing winds, heavy precipitation- sometimes in the form of extreme hailstorms.

These extreme weather conditions are new norm in Kashmir as well. I have a picture in my mind of some farmers of south Kashmir who have suffered losses due to heavy hailstorms; their anguish was so grave to see. It is unfortunate that some fruits got totally damaged even at the time of harvesting due to these weather conditions. The Directorate of Economics and Statistics states that the output of important crops including rice, maize, wheat, barley, pulses, oilseeds, and other fruits has been impacted by the climate extremes.

The harsh weather has a negative impact on these flowering, pollination and maturation of fruits/crops. These weather extremes like heavy hailstorms has ruined the quality and sometimes damage the whole crops- as has been experienced few days back in some parts of the valley.

It has been reported that the current climate trends are expected to continue throughout the 21st century. The changes in climate spur the need to adapt policies and scientific interventions to fight against these calamities and to give hope to producers. To secure and optimize yields in a changing climate, it is crucial to understand the impact of climate extremes on crop yields in the past and present climate. In the past century the problems faced by farmers were resolved by scientific interventions like use of physical and chemical methods of disease management, it is high time to find solutions of present and future problems that arise due to changing climatic conditions.

On such solution can be breeding climate-resilient crops a complex and critical undertaking that plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security in the face of climate change. This multifaceted approach involves leveraging the inherent genetic diversity within crop species to develop varieties that can thrive in changing and often adverse environmental conditions. A fundamental aspect of this strategy is the exploration of genetic diversity. Crop wild relatives (land races) and other genetic resources often possess valuable traits, such as tolerance to drought, heat, or resistance to pests and diseases, which can be incorporated into breeding programs. Recent advancements in technology have revolutionized breeding efforts.

Incorporating local knowledge and farmer participation is integral to the process. Participatory breeding programs ensure that newly developed crop varieties align with the specific needs and preferences of different regions and ecosystems. Farmers, with their deep understanding of local conditions, play a crucial role in evaluating and selecting promising varieties- the traditional knowledge in agriculture in collaborations with scientific knowledge is an emerging field to find solutions to problems in the field of agriculture.

Developing multi-trait crop varieties that combine various desirable characters is becoming increasingly important. It has been agreed in the scientific community that these varieties can offer comprehensive solutions to climate challenges while addressing broader goals, such as improved nutritional content and resistance to multiple stresses. It has also been agreed upon that global collaboration is essential in this endeavor. It is also very important that research institutions, governments, and international organizations share resources, knowledge, and germplasm to accelerate the development and dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties.

It is also important that governments in this part of the world learn lessons from elsewhere to devise strategies that integrate climate adaptation, mitigation, and food security goals. These strategies should involve the development and dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand changing weather patterns. The government should also promote efficient water management practices and the adoption of conservation agriculture techniques that reduce soil erosion and improve soil health, soil erosion can be mitigated in Kashmir Himalaya by growing some endemic plant species in the areas prone erosion.

Government should prioritize sustainable intensification, ensuring that agricultural practices not only increase productivity but also enhance the resilience of farming systems. Government should recognize the role of renewable energy in reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. Policies often incentivize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels for irrigation or biogas production from organic waste. These initiatives not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources but also reduce energy costs for farmers, making agriculture more economically sustainable. Substantial investments in agricultural research and development are crucial components of government policies to combat climate change.

Agriculture, a vital component for substance of life, is both vulnerable to and a significant contributor to climate change. The implications for global food security are profound, with potential disruptions in crop yields, water availability, and increased food prices. To mitigate these challenges and ensure a resilient and sustainable food system, it is imperative that researchers continue to innovate and collaborate across disciplines. Policymakers must enact effective policies that incentivize climate-smart agricultural practices, and farmers should embrace and adopt these practices.

A collective call to action is needed, transcending borders and disciplines, to secure the future of our food supply, protect livelihoods, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Only through concerted efforts and a shared commitment we can address this global challenge and safeguard food security for generations to come.

 Dr. Aijaz Hassan Ganie, Dept. of Botany, University of Kashmir,

North Campus