MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF EXTREME CLIMATE: A STRONG CASE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE
Introduction
Under the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the responsibility of managing disaster responses rests with State Governments, who take charge of relief measures after natural calamities occur. While these efforts are crucial, they may fall short in addressing extreme climate challenges that can lead to severe crop losses and food insecurity.
To foster a more resilient agricultural sector, several initiatives and strategies have been launched to enhance adaptability. This blog explores how the NPDM framework can be leveraged alongside targeted measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme climate events.
SDRF: THE FOUNDATION OF FUNDING FOR DISASTER RESILIENCE
The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) plays a pivotal role in supporting disaster management. SDRF is supplemented by the Central Government, who provides financial support and logistics services. When a disaster arises, farmers can seek relief from the SDRF and then apply for assistance through programs like PMFBY and RWBCIS.
The PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) and RWBCIS (RWBCIS - Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme) provide comprehensive insurance coverage. These schemes cover crop losses, ensuring farmers can seek relief regardless of weather conditions. However, claims must be processed within 21 days from calculation, even if the verification process is delayed or other保险公司 raise subsidies.
AGRICULTURAL STRATEGIES: IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL GROWTH
The NPDM framework also underscores the importance of agricultural strategies to mitigate climate impacts. The National Integrated Farming System (IFS) integrates activities like horticulture, livestock, and fishery to enhance productivity. This integrated approach not only supports farmers but also diversifies their livelihoods.
In addition, initiatives such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aim to make agriculture more resilient to climate change. NMSA offers strategies to increase crop resilience in regions facing vulnerability due to extreme weather events. By adopting climate-resistant varieties and practices, farmers can better adapt to changing conditions.
THE NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE (NICRA)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the NICRA (National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture) project to address extreme weather impacts on agriculture. This initiative involves studies, release of specific varieties, and training for farmers.
ICAR releases valuable resources, including a list of climate-resistant crop varieties, which help farmers prepare for adverse conditions. Additionally, DAVs (District Vegetable and Cucumber Vectors) are introduced in regions affected by severe cyclones to protect crops from frost damage.
THE NESTING POINT: INTEGRATED APPROACHES
To achieve long-term agricultural resilience, the NPDM framework should be complemented with practical interventions. While SDRF and NDRF support immediate relief, the focus should shift to enhancing crop growth and resistance through strategies like PMFBY, IFS, and DAVs.
The goal is for farmers to adapt their systems to climate changes without over-relying on financial aid. By integrating these measures into a cohesive strategy, agriculture can become more resilient, ensuring food security in the face of extreme natural disasters.
Conclusion
Under the NPDM framework, climate resilience must be prioritized as part of disaster management and agricultural development. By leveraging programs like PMFBY, implementing integrated farming strategies, and supporting climate-resistant crops, farmers can reduce their vulnerability to extreme weather events. This holistic approach ensures a more resilient future for our agricultural sector, safeguarding food security in the face of natural disasters.