Scribd
Upload
28 views2 pages

Final CRA Article

The report discusses Bihar's initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) in response to the challenges posed by climate change, which significantly affects the state's agricultural productivity. Key components of the CRA program include sustainable practices, farmer training, and collaboration with research institutions, resulting in increased crop yields and net returns. Bihar's comprehensive strategy aims to enhance food security and economic stability while setting a precedent for other vulnerable regions.

Uploaded by

Sanjeev Kumar Suman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
28 views2 pages

Final CRA Article

The report discusses Bihar's initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) in response to the challenges posed by climate change, which significantly affects the state's agricultural productivity. Key components of the CRA program include sustainable practices, farmer training, and collaboration with research institutions, resulting in increased crop yields and net returns. Bihar's comprehensive strategy aims to enhance food security and economic stability while setting a precedent for other vulnerable regions.

Uploaded by

Sanjeev Kumar Suman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Final writeup:

Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Bihar: Enhancing Food Security and


Economic Stability

Introduction

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity globally,


particularly in regions like Bihar, India, where agriculture is the backbone of the
economy. This report examines the initiatives undertaken in Bihar to promote
climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), focusing on its impact on crop yields,
economic stability, and food security.

Background

Bihar is endowed with fertile alluvial soils and a diverse climate conducive to
various crops. However, the state's agricultural sector, which employs 77% of its
workforce and contributes approximately 24.8% to its domestic product, is highly
vulnerable to climate variability. The region experiences frequent extreme
weather events, including floods and droughts, which severely impact crop
production and economic development.

Vulnerability to Climate Change

The state has approximately 9.36 million hectares of cultivable land, with around
3 million hectares at risk of flooding. Historical data indicates that between 0.01
million to 1.40 million hectares of cropped land have been affected by floods
over the past two decades. Additionally, predictions from the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) suggest worsening conditions for major food crops
due to climate change by 2080.

Initiatives for Climate Resilience

In response to these challenges, the Bihar government launched the Climate


Resilient Agriculture Program in 2019 under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Initially
piloted in eight districts, the program was expanded state-wide due to its
success. Key components include:

 Integration of Sustainable Practices: The program promotes crop


diversification, livestock management, aquaculture, and agroforestry to
enhance resilience.
 Training and Capacity Building: Approximately 150,000 farmers are
trained annually in climate-resilient technologies, focusing on practical
demonstrations of new farming techniques.
 Collaboration with Research Institutions: Partnerships with organizations
like CIMMYT and ICAR ensure that farmers benefit from cutting-edge
research and advancements.

Impact on Crop Yields

The CRA program has demonstrated significant positive impacts on crop yields:
 Increased Grain Yields: For kharif crops such as rice, yields increased by
up to 30.41% in Gaya and 15.06% in Buxar compared to traditional
practices.
 Higher Net Returns: Farmers reported substantial increases in net income
from crops like mustard (31.61%) due to reduced cultivation costs and
improved yields.
 Adoption of Efficient Practices: Techniques such as zero tillage have
resulted in higher net returns compared to traditional methods while also
decreasing cultivation costs by approximately 19.6%.

Community Engagement and Financial Support

The CRA program emphasizes community involvement in decision-making


processes related to agricultural practices. This participatory approach ensures
that solutions are tailored to local needs. Additionally, access to financial
services is crucial for smallholder farmers, enabling them to invest in resilient
practices.

Conclusion

Bihar's efforts towards climate-resilient agriculture represent a comprehensive


strategy to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and food security.
Through government initiatives, community engagement, and innovative
agricultural practices, Bihar aims not only to enhance agricultural productivity
but also to improve the livelihoods of its farmers amid changing climatic
conditions.

The integration of sustainable practices within the CRA framework highlights a


proactive approach towards mitigating risks associated with hydro-
meteorological disasters. As Bihar continues to adapt and innovate in response
to climate challenges, it sets a precedent for other regions facing similar
vulnerabilities.

By fostering resilience through education, collaboration, and community


involvement, Bihar is paving the way towards a more secure agricultural future
that can withstand the pressures of climate change while contributing
significantly to India's overall food security goals.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy