Climate change may increase rainfall

19-Mar-2025 04:05 PM

Climate Change May Increase Rainfall & Threaten Agriculture

Key Findings from ICAR Study

1. Rising Rainfall Due to Climate Change

• Kharif Season Rainfall Increase:
  • By 2050: 4.9% – 10.1%
  • By 2080: 5.5% – 18.9%
• Rabi Season Rainfall Increase:
  • By 2050: 12% – 17%
  • By 2080: 13% – 26%

2. Impact on Soil & Land Fertility

• Soil erosion may increase, leading to a loss of 10 tonnes/hectare annually by 2050.
• Saline-affected land to expand from 67 lakh hectares to 110 lakh hectares by 2030.

3. Threat to Crop Yields

• Rice:
  • Rain-dependent areas: Drop by 20% (2050), 10%-47% (2080)
  • Irrigated areas: Drop by 3.5% (2050), 5% (2080)
• Wheat: Expected to decline by 19.3% (2050) & 40% (2080)
• Maize (Kharif season): Likely to decrease by 10%-19% (2050) & over 20% (2080)

4. Potential Threat to National Food Security

• Declining crop yields may reduce food availability and impact farmers' livelihoods.
• Urgent need for mitigation strategies, such as improved irrigation, soil conservation, and climate-resilient crops.