Govt Targets 60% Wheat Area with Climate-Resilient Varieties to Counter El Nino Threat in Rabi Season

In preparation for the upcoming rabi sowing season, the Indian government is determined to introduce climate-resistant wheat varieties in 60% of the country's 30 million-hectare wheat-growing area, a move aimed at combating the challenges posed by strong El Nino conditions.

The Ministry of Agriculture has set an ambitious target of achieving a record-breaking wheat output of 114 million tonnes for the 2023-24 rabi season, surpassing the previous year's 112.74 million-tonne yield.

In preparation for the upcoming rabi sowing season, the Indian government is determined to introduce climate-resistant wheat varieties in 60% of the country's 30 million-hectare wheat-growing area, a move aimed at combating the challenges posed by strong El Nino conditions. The Ministry of Agriculture has set an ambitious target of achieving a record-breaking wheat output of 114 million tonnes for the 2023-24 rabi season, surpassing the previous year's 112.74 million-tonne yield.

Wheat sowing, the cornerstone of the winter crop season, kicks off in October, with harvesting following in March/April. Recognizing the impact of shifting climate patterns on agriculture, Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the importance of climate-resilient seeds as a strategic response.

Also Read:- Tamil Nadu Govt Introduces Innovative Subsidy Scheme to Fulfill Machinery Needs of Farmers & Labour Shortage

He noted that over 800 climate-resistant wheat varieties are available in the country, stressing the need to incorporate them into the seed distribution plan. Ahuja urged all states to identify suitable regions and varieties for cultivation, highlighting that changing rainfall and temperature patterns pose significant threats to agriculture.

Acknowledging the evolving weather conditions, Ahuja revealed the fluctuations in rainfall, with a June deficit, a July surplus, a dry August, and renewed excess rainfall in September, resulting in a 5% rainfall deficit nationwide. Several states, including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, are experiencing severe deficits in reservoir levels compared to the 10-year average. To address these challenges, the secretary recommended that state governments plan for the rabi season while emphasizing that the government has a contingency plan in place for 450 villages. This plan involves educating farmers about climate change's impact and appropriate responses.

Also Read:- Indian Agri-Tech Startups See 45% Investment Drop Amid Global Economic Uncertainty, Reveals FSG Report

Agricultural research is also in the spotlight, with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) having developed more than 2,200 crop varieties, 800 of which are climate resilient. These seeds promise immediate benefits to farmers, not only for wheat but also for crops like rice and pulses. The promotion of climate-resilient varieties, biofortified crops, balanced fertilizer use, and precision farming were among the recommendations made by ICAR's Director General, Himanshu Pathak.

Rajat Kumar Mishra, the Fertilizer Secretary, highlighted the critical role of fertilizers in influencing crop production, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrient application. He also anticipated a shift towards nano urea and DAP fertilizers as the future of farming.

He said that these proactive measures by the government, coupled with the adoption of climate-resilient seeds and innovative farming practices, are poised to boost India's agricultural sector and ensure food security in the face of climate change challenges.

Also Read:- Andhra Pradesh Govt Announces MSPs for 22 Crops Ahead of Kharif Season, Gujarat & Karnataka Also Join