Research article · 2024 · Full text
International Journal of Geography Geology and EnvironmentClimate smart agriculture practices in India: A case study of district SAS Nagar, Punjab
Volume 6(2) · Pages 21–30 · DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2024.v6.i2a.284 ↗
Research areasEconomic and Technological Innovation
Abstract
Author-writtenClimate change presents considerable challenges to global agriculture, necessitating the development of innovative strategies to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. The concept of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) arises as a holistic method that incorporates climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience into agricultural practices. Major components of CSA include crop diversification, improved water and soil management techniques, agroforestry, and use of climate-resilient crop varieties. This paper highlights the principles and practices of CSA in SAS Nagar District, Punjab. 60 farmers from 10 villages were interviewed to assess the changes in cropping pattern in response to climate change. Additionally, the research investigates adoption of water conservation techniques in the era of alarming rates of ground water depletion. The findings offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of CSA techniques adopted by the farmers of the region highlighting its potential to enhance productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build adaptive capacity among farming communities.
Summary
Source-checkedPlain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.
Why it matters
- Global food production must increase by approximately 70% by 2050 to support the growing population, making sustainable agriculture critical. View evidence ↗
- Rising global temperatures directly threaten crop yields; for every 1 °C increase, yields for maize, wheat, rice, and soybean decrease by 7.4%, 6%, 6.2%, and 3.1%, respectively. View evidence ↗
- Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is defined by the FAO as a system that increases productivity and resilience while mitigating greenhouse gases to ensure food security. View evidence ↗
The question
- The research also seeks to examine the extent of groundwater depletion and the water management techniques being used. View evidence ↗
What they did
- The study used convenient sampling to interview 60 farmers across 10 different villages. View evidence ↗
- Primary data was collected via an interview schedule focusing on cropping patterns, groundwater levels, and adopted conservation techniques. View evidence ↗
- The research incorporated secondary data from the Central Groundwater Control Board 2022 and the Punjab Statistical Abstract 2022. View evidence ↗
What they found
- While rice and wheat dominate the region, farmers are diversifying into maize, sugarcane, fruit trees, vegetables, and pulses like moong and mash. View evidence ↗
- Water-efficient paddy varieties like PR-126 and PR-121 require only 4,000 liters of water per kg of rice, compared to 5,000-6,000 liters for the PUSA-44 variety. View evidence ↗
- Fifty-one percent of farmers who adopted crop diversification and practices like zero tillage or deep plowing reported an increase in crop productivity. View evidence ↗
- Farmers sticking to traditional wheat-rice monoculture saw either static (27%) or decreasing (22%) productivity. View evidence ↗
- The vast majority of farmers (96.7%) rely on tube wells for irrigation, with 54 out of 60 using them exclusively. View evidence ↗
- At least 10 farmers reported a drastic drop in water levels over the last decade, with levels plummeting below 300 feet. View evidence ↗
- Underground pipeline systems are the most popular water conservation technique among the surveyed farmers. View evidence ↗
- Replacing paddy with Kharif maize saves 10,000 m³ of water per hectare, while replacing it with millets, oilseeds, or pulses saves 11,000 m³ per hectare. View evidence ↗
What it means
- The authors conclude that full adoption of CSA practices, specifically crop diversification and groundwater conservation, is essential for agricultural sustainability in the region. View evidence ↗
- The authors recommend expanding the negligible canal network to reduce the region's over-dependence on groundwater. View evidence ↗
Visual summary
1 visualsIllustrations explain the paper; they do not show study data.
Water Savings Comparison
AI-generated conceptual illustration (paddy plants, maize plants, millet plants, and pulse plants in a field). It explains the idea and does not show study data.
View source evidence ↗Figures & tables
From the original paper
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Figure 11Introduction
Agriculture in coming years and decades is sure to face formidable challenges for the simple reason that climate change and its inherent impacts are a reality now. The challenges aggravates multiple times as the whole world would need an increase of around 70% by 2050 in its food production to feed its ever increasing population. So, the world needs to find ways to sustainable agriculture and the answer lies in Climate Smart Agriculture. Rising temperatures due to global warming have already started eating up the yield of food grains and other agriculture crops. It has been predicted that the temperature will rise 2-5 °C in future climate by 2100 (IPCC, 2014). Each 1 °C rise in the global mean temperature reduces global maize yield by 7.4%, wheat yield by 6%, rice yield by 6.2% and soybean yield by 3.1%. An increase in the average temperature of 2 °C could lead to 20-40% reductions in cereal grain output, notably in Asia and Africa. Majority of the population around the world reside in rural areas and are relatively poor with agriculture being their primary source of income. Climate Change is expected to hit the developing countries the hardest (FAO, 2024). Despite growing awareness of the need to maintain the natural resource base, unsustainable agricultural practices are still the norm, and food security is dependent on just a few key species; 60 percent of all nutritional needs are met by only four crops: rice, wheat, maize, and potato (FAO, 2015). Current debates among many prominent development actors feature CSA as the solution to the global challenge of achieving food security and economic development under a changing climate. The FAO, member and host of the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture, has defined CSA as agricultural production systems that 'sustainably increase productivity, resilience (adaptation), reduce/remove greenhouse gases (mitigation) and enhance achievement of national food security and development goals' (Climate Smart Agriculture, 2015). Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has grown from a concept into an approach implemented throughout the world, by all types of stakeholders (FAO, 2021). The Indian agricultural sector is diverse, vivid, and dynamic. Its importance within the economy is highlighted by the fact that around 54.6 percent of India's total workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. The development of the sector, naturally, has been a key priority for the Government of India. Climate change, however, has emerged as a matter of concern to Indian agriculture.
The agriculture sector in India has witnessed a series of reforms and transformative measures over the last five years with the mandate to double farmers' incomes. Given the challenges of climate change, the concept of CSA is gaining traction in the Indian context to cope with and address the issues [1] .
Fig 1: Concept of CSA
The adverse impact of climate change on agriculture production indicates food security threat to the farming community of Punjab. There is increase in mean temperature during growing period of these crops from 0.22 °C (for rabi winter crops) to 0.73 °C (for kharif summer crops) of rise will lead to much higher loss by 2080. For example, the yield loss will increase from 13 to 24 percent for maize, from 11 percent to 24 percent for cotton, and from 1% to 2% for rice, respectively. Decline in overall rainfall by 107 mm during the paddy (rice) growing season (June-Septemper) and by 257mm during maize growing season (May-October) could be the main reason behind over exploitation of ground water resources in Punjab [2] . A transformation of the agricultural sector, including crop and livestock production, fisheries and forestry, is urgently needed to respond to climate change and sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes. Climatesmart agriculture is rooted in sustainable agriculture and rural development objectives which, if reached, would contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing hunger and improved environmental management. As part of the Sustainable Development Agenda, CSA is directly linked to SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG13 (Climate Action). At the same time, SDG5 is also relevant to CSA as it addresses gender equality. Women are increasingly being seen as more vulnerable than men to the effects of climate change and therefore need special attention [1] . Nights can be cold, sometimes falling below 5 °C (41°F).
The region often experiences foggy conditions, particularly in the early hours of the day. The district also receives occasional winter rainfall from the west. Most of the area of the district is plain having loam to silt clay & well drained soils except along the Ghaggar River and choes where some sandy patches are found. Total Geographical area of SAS Nagar District is 121000 hectares out of which 86000 hectares are cultivable area. Agriculture has traditionally been an important economic activity in the district (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Institute Govt. of India, 2010-11).
Source: Survey of India and Google Earth
Map 1: Location of study area
Research methodology and data sources
The study has been conducted for SAS Nagar district, Punjab. A radius of 5km was taken from Chuhar Majra and 60 farmers from 10 villages were selected using convenient sampling method. These villages include Landran, Sawara, Saidpur, Soemajra, Jhanjheri, Chuhar Majra, Machhli Kalan, Machhli Khurd, Todar Majra and Rasanheri. An interview schedule was prepared for primary data collection. It dealt with statements to know cropping pattern of farmers, changing groundwater level and appropriate water conservation techniques adopted in response to it. Simple statistical tools like frequencies, percentages, bar graphs, pie charts were used in the study. Secondary data was also used from various government reports like Punjab Statistical Abstract 2022, Central Groundwater Control Board 2022 etc. to facilitate the research work. grow vegetables on their farms under protected cultivation practices such as low tunnel technology and mulching for year round production. Due to its short duration, it is easily fit into any crop rotation. Protected vegetable cultivation is a profitable, employment generating practice and it is also source of income in off-season so farmers are so the farmers are exploring these options of crop diversification. The major vegetables grown are capsicum, cucumber cauliflower, peas, potato, onion, chilies, tomato, brinjal, beans, okra, muskmelon, watermelon, strawberries, pumpkin, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, radish etc.
The farmers who have adopted agronomical practices such as zero tillage, deep plowing and conservation tillage as well as have diversified their crops observed increasing trend of crop productivity (51% of the farmers). Those farmers who were reluctant to incorporate these short duration varieties and stuck to traditional wheat-rice monoculture had either static (27% of the farmers) or decreasing crop productivity (22% of the farmers).
Groundwater depletion and water management techniques
Green Revolution has made Punjab the breadbasket of nation but it had serious affects on groundwater level of the state. In Punjab, farmers heavily utilized groundwater for irrigation to fulfill the water requirements of these highyielding varieties. Tube wells and electric pumps became prevalent tools for groundwater extraction, enabling continuous irrigation year-round. Groundwater depletion refers to the decline in the amount of water stored in underground aquifers, which are natural reservoirs of water located beneath the Earth's surface. Changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures as a result of climate change have the potential to affect groundwater recharge rates, worsening depletion in certain areas. SAS Nagar has a well developed irrigation network with almost whole of the cropped area under irrigation. Most of the area under irrigation is under tube wells. According to Punjab Statistical Abstract of 2022-2023, net irrigated area by tube wells and wells is 86000 hectares. This has implications for the availability of groundwater in the district. The survey reveals that 54 farmers out of 60 use only tube well for irrigation purposes, while 4 use water from rivulet along with tube well and only 2 farmers irrigate their land from nearby rivulet. Therefore, it can be observed that majority of the farmers (96.7%) have tube well connection. Electric tube wells are the most commonly used by farmers (53 farmers), while diesel (4 farmers) and solar power tube wells (only 1 farmer has solar powered tube well) are among the unpopular ones. The reason for this trend is free electricity for irrigation (for agriculture power connections) that has stimulated agricultural growth and rural economy in Punjab. However, this free and unmetered electricity supply has also led to inefficient use of electricity and groundwater. The survey conducted of 60 farmers discovered that only 2 farmers had metered supply of electricity because they don't have agriculture power connection for their tube wells.
Source: Central Ground Water Board Northwestern Region, 2022-2023
Source: Central Ground Water Board Northwestern Region, 2022-2023
Increasing depth of tube wells
At least 10 farmers revealed that they experienced drastic change in depth of tube well in last 10 years. The water level had plummeted below 300 feet, making it impossible for the monoblock motor to function. One of the farmer revealed that the first tube well he dug at 60 ft, in 2000, hit water at 650 ft, and was dug up to 800 ft--a common practice meant to future-proof the tube well and avoids repeated costs of digging. Farmers have been increasing the depth of the well to double-60 to 170 ft, 150 to 310 ft and 150 to 750 ft to extract water from the deep aquifer.
Source: Field Survey, 2024
Source: Field Survey, 2024
Causes of over exploitation of groundwater
Climate changes alter recharge rates of groundwater aquifers. Increasing temperatures and erratic monsoons are the major climate change drivers that effect availability of groundwater directly.
Groundwater conservation techniques
One solution to control the fast depleting groundwater level is to promote the micro-irrigation system, comprising sprinkler and drip irrigation that enable precision farming by making water available in a targeted manner. The most popular water conservation technique among the farmers surveyed is underground pipeline system. A well-designed pipeline system conserves water, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes the land area required for field channels. Underground pipelines can also incorporate drip irrigation or precision irrigation technology, which precisely supplies water to plant root zones in controlled quantities.
Source: Field Survey, 2024 Increasing awareness and adoption of water conservation measures among farmers helps save energy and money. The water conservation structures are one time investment and the results improve environmental and ecological condition in the irrigated land. Heavy ground water overdraft is being reduced by these efforts.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This study underscores the significance of embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture as a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges presented by climate change, while also advocating for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Farmers aware about the declining groundwater level are adopting water conservation techniques, underground pipeline system being the most famous followed by drip and sprinkler irrigation. Government Subsidies on these structures provide a positive step towards embracing water management on farms.
Following recommendations can help implement climate smart agriculture in the district
The Canal network in the district is negligible, it should be increased in order to decrease the over dependence on ground water. Harnessing solar energy for both new pumpsets and substitution of old and inefficient diesel pumpsets can reduce the burden on government and can be an environment friendly transition. Promotion of Laser Land Leveling for efficient distribution of irrigation water Attention must be paid to rejuvenating the traditional water bodies every year in the villages to recharge groundwater for future generations. Organic farming needs encouragement and for this vermicompost and green manuring units need to be set up and farmers should be made aware about the benefits of improving soil fertility organically. Wood based industries can be set up in the district that can buy poplar wood from farmers who adopt agoforestey practices. Food processing units should be set up in the region to promote vegetable and fruit cultivation Climate Change is not a myth but a reality that need immediate attention. Agriculture being the most effected by extreme weather conditions, Climate Smart Agriculture is the future of famers in this region. For agriculture to sustain in the region farmers must move forward from the initial stage and fully adopt Climate Smart Agriculture practices like crop diversification and groundwater conservation techniques.
Figures and tables from the paper
| Range | June 2022 | August 2022 | November 2022 | January 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 2 mbgl at Sirsini | 1.13 mbgl at Sirsini | 1.18 mbgl at Sirsini | 1.37 mbgl at Sirsini |
| Maximum | 46.39 mbgl at Balongi | 44.52 mbgl at Balongi | 43.03 mbgl at Balongi | 16.54 mbgl at Landran* |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
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| Water saving practice | Water saving potential |
|---|---|
| Delaying paddy transplanting to June 25 or later | 1,000 to 2,000 m3 per hectare |
| Alternate wetting and drying, and maximum 50 mm depth of irrigation water in the paddy field | 500-2,500 m3 per hectare |
| Delaying paddy transplanting to June 25 or later coupled with growing short duration varieties | 1,500-2,500 m3 per hectare |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
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| Water saving practice | Water saving potential |
|---|---|
| Use of small irrigation plots (6-8 plots per acre) for wheat crop | Up to 350 m3 per hectare |
| Direct sowing of wheat in standing paddy stubble using zero-till drills such as Happy Seeder or Super Seeder | up to 700 m3 per hectare |
| Furrow irrigation in bed-planted wheat | 750 m3 per hectare |
| Irrigation through sub-surface drip system | 3,500-4,000 m3 per hectare |
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| Replacement crop | Water saving potential |
|---|---|
| From paddy to Kharif Maize | 10,000 m3 per hectare |
| From paddy to millets (bajra) | 11,000 m 3 per hectare |
| From paddy to oilseeds (groundnut) | 11,000 m3 per hectare |
| From paddy to pulses (moong bean) | 11,000 m3 per hectare |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
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References
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