IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE

AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES OF BIHAR

- Sarita Singh
Research Scholar, Dept. of Geography, Magadh University

Keywords: Climate Change, Catastrophic events, Irrigation techniques, financial aid

Abstract:
The impact of global warming on the agricultural practices of Bihar, a predominantly agrarian state in
India, is increasingly evident. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme
weather events such as floods and droughts are significantly altering the state's farming landscape.
Agriculture in Bihar, which is largely dependent on the monsoon, faces heightened vulnerability due
to these climatic changes. The altered precipitation cycles have led to irregular water availability,
affecting both crop productivity and the traditional farming calendar. Key crops like rice, wheat, and
maize, which are staples in Bihar, are seeing reduced yields due to heat stress, water scarcity, and
flooding.

In addition, soil degradation and the depletion of groundwater sources exacerbate the challenges
faced by farmers, particularly smallholders, who form the majority of the agricultural workforce. The
frequency of flood events along the Kosi and Ganga River basins further disrupts farming activities,
leading to crop losses and economic instability. To cope, farmers are gradually shifting towards
climate-resilient crops, altering irrigation techniques, and adopting adaptive practices such as crop
diversification and organic farming. However, the transition to sustainable agricultural practices
remains slow due to socio-economic constraints, limited access to technology, and insufficient
government support.

The long-term sustainability of agriculture in Bihar hinges on strengthening climate adaptation

strategies, enhancing irrigation infrastructure, and providing financial and technical support to
farmers. Without timely interventions, global warming could severely compromise food security and
livelihoods in the state.

1. Introduction

 Background on Bihar’s Agriculture:

Located in the eastern part of India, Bihar is endowed with fertile alluvial plains, especially in
the Indo-Gangetic basin, making it one of India’s most agriculturally productive regions.
According to The Hindu, approximately 76% of Bihar’s population is engaged in agriculture,
making it a primary livelihood source for millions of small and marginal farmers who depend
on seasonal monsoons and river systems like the Ganga, Kosi, and Gandak for irrigation.

Agriculture in Bihar predominantly comprises staple crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and
pulses, with rice being the most widely grown crop. As The Economic Times reports, Bihar
ranks among India’s leading states for maize and litchi production, the latter being an
 important cash crop that has gained geographical indication (GI) status. The state’s annual
agricultural productivity, however, is highly sensitive to climatic variables due to the small
landholdings and heavy reliance on rainfall.

The Government of Bihar has made efforts to modernize agriculture by promoting

sustainable practices, improving irrigation, and adopting technology. The state’s Third
Agriculture Road Map (2017–2022) aimed to increase productivity, diversify crops, and build
climate resilience.

 Global Warming and Agriculture:

Climate change poses a growing challenge to the traditional agricultural model. Rising
temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and frequent flooding—especially in regions
like the Kosi basin—are making farming increasingly precarious. The frequency of extreme
weather events has led to repeated crop failures, prompting farmers to seek alternative
crops and practices. These adaptations, while necessary, come at a cost and require
extensive support from both state and central governments, which often falls short.

2. Objective of the Study

The objectives of the study of the impact of global warming on agriculture in Bihar include:

 Identifying climate risks and opportunities in the near- and mid-term

 Developing adaptation and mitigation options to minimize negative effects and maximize
opportunities

 Improving the awareness and capacity of farmers to cope with climate change

 Blending traditional practices and scientific approaches to encourage farmer adoption

 Developing climate-resilient cropping systems

 Fostering institutional transformation through policy changes

 Validating adaptation and mitigation measures for adoption in the field

3. Methodology

 The study is mainly based on secondary data which is concerned with agriculture pattern,
temperature, erratic monsoon, land degradation, flood, soil erosion, and falling of
groundwater table.

 Aiming to the investigation of impact of global warming on agriculture has unfavourably

affected not the amount of production but also the cropping system, which has impacted
both biotic and abiotic components simultaneously.
4. Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture in Bihar

 Temperature Rise:
Rising temperatures disrupt crop growth cycles, especially for heat-sensitive crops like rice
and wheat. Higher temperatures accelerate plant growth phases, often shortening the time
crops need to develop properly. During flowering, extreme heat can impair pollen viability,
reducing successful pollination and grain formation. For crops like wheat, every 1°C rise can
cut yields by approximately 6%. Heat stress during the grain-filling stage also reduces grain
size and quality, diminishing both quantity and nutritional value. Additionally, increased
evapotranspiration leads to soil moisture loss, exacerbating water stress, particularly for rice,
which requires substantial water, hence impacting crop yields.

 Erratic Rainfall Patterns:

In Bihar, where rice cultivation depends on timely and adequate monsoon rains,
inconsistencies like low rainfall pose serious challenges. Delayed or insufficient rainfall
creates water stress during crucial growth stages, reducing rice yields. On the other hand,
excessive and unseasonal rainfall can lead to waterlogging and flash floods, damaging crops
and eroding fertile soil layers.

This rainfall unpredictability impacts irrigation as well. Prolonged dry spells deplete water
resources, increasing dependence on groundwater and raising irrigation costs for farmers.
The cycle of floods and droughts also strains water management systems, which struggle to
provide consistent water supply during dry periods or manage excess during heavy rains.
With monsoon patterns becoming less reliable, rice cultivation in Bihar faces higher risks, as
farmers cannot predict the best planting times, affecting overall crop productivity and food
security in the region.

 Soil Degradation:
In Bihar, soil health deterioration is accelerating due to climate-induced stressors. Rising
temperatures increase soil organic matter breakdown, depleting nutrients vital for crop
growth. Flood-prone areas like the Kosi basin face frequent flooding, leading to increased soil
salinity, which reduces fertility and hinders crop yields. Erratic rainfall patterns further
exacerbate soil erosion; recent data indicates that Bihar experiences an average soil loss of
16 metric tons per hectare annually, impacting nearly 45% of agricultural land. This erosion
removes topsoil rich in organic matter and nutrients, which are essential for crops like rice
and wheat. Consequently, degraded soils in Bihar are causing a 10-20% reduction in crop
productivity, severely impacting the agricultural output and food security in the region

 Water Resources Depletion:

Studies show that Bihar’s groundwater levels have declined by an average of 0.2–0.3 meters
annually in agricultural areas. With over 60% of the state’s irrigation needs now met through
groundwater extraction, the demand continues to rise as monsoon rains become less
predictable. This excessive use is unsustainable, as it lowers the water table and threatens
long-term water availability for crops and communities. If trends continue, groundwater
scarcity could severely impact Bihar’s agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

 Problems faced by Farmers:

According to a recent data, global warming is significantly impacting Bihar's agricultural

practices, leading to increased flood events, erratic rainfall patterns, higher temperatures,
 and crop losses, with studies showing a decline in rice-wheat cropping areas by 58% and
other crop combinations experiencing similar reductions due to climate change; districts like
Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Khagaria, and Katihar are particularly vulnerable to flood-related
crop damage.

5. Case Study: Crop-Specific Impacts in Bihar

 The change in climate pattern has crop-specific impacts, with rice, wheat, maize, and pulses
all affected differently. In the flood-prone Kosi River basin, rice fields frequently suffer from
waterlogging due to increased flood intensity. Recent data shows that in 2022, floods
damaged over 250,000 hectares of paddy, reducing yields by 20% in affected areas.
Meanwhile, south Bihar, a drought-prone region, faces water shortages impacting wheat and
pulses.

 Due to irregular rainfall, wheat yields dropped by around 15% in 2021, as reported by the
Agriculture Department of Bihar. Maize, sensitive to heat, has also seen reduced yields in
central Bihar, where rising temperatures shorten its grain-filling phase, cutting productivity
by nearly 10%. Pulses, grown in rainfed areas, struggle with erratic rains and soil
degradation. These shifts threaten Bihar’s food security and farmer incomes, highlighting the
urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural practices and improved water management
across the state.

6. Adaptation Strategies in Agricultural Practices

 Crop Diversification:
In response to climate challenges, Bihar’s farmers are increasingly adopting crop
diversification to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather. Many are shifting from
water-intensive staples like rice to climate-resilient crops such as millets, pulses, and
oilseeds, which are better suited to withstand droughts and temperature fluctuations.
Studies from the Bihar Agricultural University indicate that millet yields have increased by
nearly 12% in semi-arid regions, proving their adaptability. Additionally, government
initiatives are encouraging diversification by providing subsidies for pulse and oilseed
cultivation. These efforts help stabilize farmer incomes, improve soil health, and increase
resilience against erratic rainfall and flooding.

 Improved Irrigation Techniques:

To combat water scarcity from erratic rainfall, farmers are shifting to water-saving irrigation
techniques like drip and sprinkler systems. These systems minimize water usage by
delivering it directly to the plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. The Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) supports these efforts by providing subsidies for adopting
efficient irrigation methods. According to a study by Bihar Agriculture Department (2021),
drip irrigation systems have reduced water usage by up to 30% in pilot areas, particularly in
water-stressed southern Bihar. These practices not only conserve water but also improve
crop yields, helping farmers adapt to climate stress.

 Soil and Water Conservation Techniques:

Farmers are increasingly adopting conservation agriculture practices to improve soil health
and water retention in response to climate stress. Mulching, which involves covering soil
 with organic materials, helps retain moisture and reduce soil erosion, proving particularly
effective in drought-prone regions. Crop rotation with legumes improves soil nitrogen
content, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Studies show that fields using crop
rotation and organic fertilizers have seen a 15% increase in productivity and improved soil
organic matter. Government programs like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
support these practices, encouraging sustainable farming methods that enhance resilience to
extreme weather.

 Use of Technology:
Farmers are increasingly utilizing digital tools and mobile-based information systems to
enhance their agricultural practices amidst climate uncertainty. Services like Kisan Suvidha
provide real-time weather forecasts, helping farmers make informed decisions about
planting, irrigation, and harvesting. A recent survey indicates that farmers using digital
platforms experienced a 20% increase in crop yields due to better timing of agricultural
activities. Additionally, mobile applications offer guidance on pest management and crop
prices, empowering farmers to optimize resources and improve profitability, thereby
enhancing resilience against climate-related risks.

7. Recommendations

 Government and Institutional Support:

To strengthen climate resilience in Bihar’s agriculture, it is recommended that government
policies focus on increased subsidies for climate-resilient seeds, which can withstand
droughts and floods. Expanding access to affordable crop insurance is also essential;
currently, only about 22% of Bihar’s farmers are insured, leaving many vulnerable to losses
from extreme weather. Additionally, more investment in infrastructure, such as climate-
adaptive storage facilities and improved irrigation systems, would support farmers in
managing unpredictable conditions. A 2022 NITI Aayog report suggests that such policies can
boost productivity by up to 15%, ensuring greater stability and income security for Bihar’s
farmers.

 Education and Awareness:

Enhancing agricultural resilience in Bihar calls for expanded training programs to equip
farmers with climate-resilient practices. Emphasizing sustainable techniques like water-
saving irrigation, crop diversification, and soil conservation can greatly improve agricultural
outcomes. A 2021 Bihar Agricultural Department survey revealed that only 35% of farmers
have received such training. By increasing access to workshops and mobile-based tutorials,
adoption of these practices could rise, potentially boosting crop yields by 10-15%, reducing
environmental impacts, and strengthening livelihoods amid climate challenges.

 Research and Development:

To address Bihar’s unique climate challenges, it is recommended to increase R&D efforts in
local universities and agricultural institutes focused on developing climate-adaptive crops
and techniques. Customized solutions, such as drought-resistant rice varieties and flood-
tolerant wheat, are critical for resilience. Currently, only about 10% of Bihar’s research
funding targets region-specific crop development, as noted in a 2022 ICAR report. Boosting
investment in R&D can accelerate the development of adaptive practices, leading to
 improved yields, thus supporting food security and economic stability in Bihar's agricultural
sector.

 Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture:

Techniques like organic fertilization, crop rotation, and integrated pest management reduce
soil degradation and minimize chemical use. According to the Bihar Agriculture Department,
farms using organic methods saw a 12% rise in yield over three years. Expanding these
practices would enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and support long-term agricultural
productivity in Bihar.

8. Conclusion

 Global warming poses serious threats to agriculture in Bihar, with rising temperatures,
unpredictable rainfall, groundwater depletion, and soil degradation affecting crop
productivity. Essential crops like rice, wheat, and maize are increasingly vulnerable to
flooding and drought, while soil erosion and salinity reduce fertility across the state. These
climate-driven impacts threaten food security and the livelihoods of millions reliant on
agriculture.

 To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt climate-resilient farming practices, such

as crop diversification, water-efficient irrigation methods, and soil conservation. Policy
support is equally vital, including subsidies for climate-adaptive seeds, expanded crop
insurance, and investments in sustainable agricultural infrastructure, which can provide
stability for Bihar’s farmers.

 In conclusion, a comprehensive, multi-level strategy is critical to reduce the impact of global

warming on Bihar’s agriculture. Consistent government support, community-led adaptation
efforts, and enhanced public awareness will strengthen resilience. By equipping farmers with
climate-smart resources and knowledge, Bihar can protect its agricultural productivity and
secure food supplies for the future.

9. References

 P.C Bansil "Bihar Agriculture: A Perspective" Concept Publishing Company Pvt Ltd., New Delhi

 P. Dayal "The Agricultural Geography of Bihar" Rajesh Publications

 Patnaik, B. K. (2016), Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture with Reference to Odisha,

Special Issue on Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Directorate of Economics and Statistics,
Odisha

 B. S. Chauhan, P. Kaur "Global Warming and Its Possible Impact on Agriculture in India"
Advances in Agronomy, Vol. 123, published by Elsevier 2014

 VK Gaurav, SK Verma, Sunil Kumar "CLIMATE CHANGE and its IMPLICATIONS ON CROP
PRODUCTION and FOOD SECURITY" Mahima Research Foundation and Social Welfare,
Varanasi 2016

 Articles by the Agriculture Department of Bihar, Govt. of Bihar 2021

 Other Newspaper Articles and Internet