Context:
The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) released a report titled “Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture” during a seminar in New Delhi on June 5, 2025. The study underscores the growing threats climate change poses to Indian agriculture and outlines key interventions needed to build resilience.
Key Climate Risks Identified
- Erratic Rainfall
- Unseasonal Droughts
- Temperature Spikes
- Rising Pest Incidence
These factors are disrupting crop cycles in major producing States and threatening farm productivity and rural incomes.
Barriers to Sustainable Farming Adoption
- High Initial Costs of sustainable and climate-resilient technologies
- Fragmented Infrastructure, especially in irrigation and storage
- Low Awareness among farmers about climate-smart practices
Recommendations from FAIFA Report
Policy and Institutional Actions
- Bridge implementation gaps in existing climate-resilient schemes
- Strengthen collaboration among government bodies, research institutions, and private sector players
- Promote integrated farming systems and conservation agriculture
Public Investment and Research
- Scale R&D in climate-resilient seed varieties
- Promote precision agriculture tools with higher subsidies
- Expand farmer training programmes on sustainable practices
Targeted Subsidies
- Focus on:
- Renewable energy solutions
- Micro-irrigation infrastructure
- Organic and bio-based inputs
Commendation for Existing Central Schemes
The report appreciated government initiatives such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation schemes
However, it urged greater targeting and flexibility to meet local needs more effectively.
Equity and Adaptation Needs
- Small and marginal farmers are the most affected due to low adaptive capacity
- There is growing urgency to balance food security with climate mitigation
- A shift is needed from a “grow more” approach to a “grow better” mindset, according to FAIFA General Secretary Murali Babu
