Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change A Training Programme by Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)

WOTR is organizing a 4-day Training on Climate Resilient Agriculture CRA) Practices for Ecosystem-based Adaptation EbA) in Semi-Arid Regions wherein participants will be equipped with a deep understanding of organic fertilizers and biopesticides, as well as integrated pest management IPM), integrated nutrient management INM), and system of crop intensification SCI) techniques for sustainable agriculture.

In India, climate change is a serious concern for the agriculture sector. Changing weather patterns and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have a direct impact on farmers' livelihoods. According to a study by National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), rainfed rice yields in India are projected to reduce marginally (<2.5%) in 2050 and 2080 and irrigated rice yields by 7 per cent in 2050 and 10 per cent in 2080 scenarios. Further, wheat yield is projected to reduce by 6-25 per cent in 2100 and maize yields by 18–23 per cent.

The impact of climate change on agriculture in India is not just limited to crop yields. Soil degradation, declining groundwater levels, and the spread of pests and diseases are all direct consequences of changing weather patterns. These factors, combined with the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, have led to a decline in soil health, negatively impacting overall agricultural productivity.

As climate change continues to pose a threat to the agriculture sector, the need to establish and promote climate resilient agriculture practices has become increasingly urgent. Farming has become a high-risk gamble due to low productivity, fluctuating markets, and unpredictable weather events, which directly impacts farmers’ livelihoods.