Open House: What can be done to lessen the impact of climate change on farmers?

Strategise according to crop’s life cycle

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With reference to the recent untimely spell of rain and subsequent damage to crops in Punjab and Haryana, all stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural universities, departments, state and Central governments need to be extra vigilant about effects of climatic change on cropping patterns. No doubt advance warnings from the weather department are reaching farmers in time, but natural calamities are uncontrollable. Climate change is a harsh reality and the surface temperature of earth shall increase in future which will have full impact on all stages of crop’s life cycle. Moreover wheat and rice are staple food crops and contribute towards food security of the nation. Therefore, these two crops need special attention. As general practice, agricultural universities prepare standard packages of practices for all crops based on their intensive research, which includes the selection of different varieties of seeds based on agro-climatic zones, management of irrigation schedule, study of nutritional requirements of crops and recommendation of fertiliser application techniques till harvest. However, the standard practices are likely to be impacted once crop physiology changes due to climate change. Hence, universities now need to do research for all crops based on climatic change effects. Therefore, during regular crop season, the Agriculture Department and agricultural universities must record all field observations of crop life cycle so that any change in crop physiology can be dealt with in time and farmers can be advised right remedies. In case of any major climatic calamities, poor farmers should be helped adequately with monetary help. The Centre and the state governments should jointly rework strategies for the benefit of farmers.

Harvinder Singh Chugh

Strengthen crop insurance scheme

The unseasonal rain and hailstorms have flattened wheat crop in Punjab. It is a double whammy for farmers in terms of its impact on the yield as well as the quality of wheat, which is a staple food across large parts of the country. While farmers look for rains every year for better production, the ongoing unseasonal downpour has come as a bane that has damaged the crops and disrupted the harvest season. Besides wheat crop, mustard, potatoes and mango sprouting has also been badly affected by the widespread untimely rain and high velocity winds. The drastic climatic change with additional brunt of unnaturally high temperature has, too, cast an adverse impact on the prospectus of bumper crop this season. In some areas like Fazilka, the crops as well as several houses have been totally devastated by a severe storm. The desperate farmers are demanding immediate compensation to withstand damage and prepare the lands for growing the next crop. Notably, the crop insurance scheme currently in vogue is poorly and unfairly implemented, without much benefit to abridge the heavy losses of the peasantry in such unforeseen situations. It must be strengthened further and made effective. Immediately, the state government should earnestly come forward to mitigate farmers’ losses by extending all kinds of departmental support, defer their due loan obligations to next harvest besides providing reasonable financial assistance to sustain the extensive damages. Alongside, the farmers be prompted to adopt suitable crop diversification in the light of frequent climatic changes while exercising some conservation in using own resources to meet the hardship caused by unsavoury weather. However, the need of the hour is to have an agri risk fund or calamity trust at national level to provide adequate monetary compensation to the ‘anndata’ in case of the unpredicted losses on the lines of CGTMSE or DICGC scheme applicable for other businesses and industry.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Adopt measures given by top agri institutes

Global warming has directly or indirectly impacted every sector. It is the agriculture sector, which is prominently and primarily bearing the brunt of this catastrophic event, with a turmoil ensuing in the other remaining sectors as well. Future preparedness by the farmers and state government is a must for the sustenance, and hence, subsistence of the entire mankind. ICAR, PAU and other agricultural institutes have propounded several measures to tackle this menace. If these suggestions are duly conveyed by the state government to farmers and acted upon by them, there would be no apprehensions regarding adequate yield, food security, fixed income etc. The government cannot, every time, pay heavy reparation to all affected crop growers, whose number is quite high, owing to orthodox farming. It should prepare a strategy, wherein a team of agricultural trainers and officials are deputed at every village or block to make farmers aware of environment-friendly farming techniques and their advantages, and latest government guidelines and policies and weather information. The team will also assess damaged fields to calculate crop loss and compensation to be paid and also mediate between them and the government for final decisions on agricultural matters. The fixing of MSP, mulching, no stubble burning, crop diversification, weather forecasting, cultivation of millets and other water-conservative crops and organic farming are among various effective, pragmatic remedies available to mitigate the setbacks due to the global warming. The government and farmers must work together to execute these solutions.

Anshika Kohli

Move towards food processing industry

Scientists have already warned of global warming or climate change in coming years. Unexpected floods, thunderstorms and snowfall have really put the masses in dilemma over the changing climate. Unexpected rains have been witnessed in the Middle East and floods in western countries. Similarly, in the last week of March, a sudden change in temperature along with rains, strong winds and hailstorms have wreaked havoc on wheat crop. Farmers are in a dilemma over the compensation for their damaged crops and having high hopes from the state government and the Centre. Natural calamities cannot be predicted, but they wreak havoc whenever they occur. In the neighbouring country of Pakistan, the rates of wheat flour have already broken the back of the poor. Here, too, we can expect the prices of flour to rise in coming days. The state government should consult weather experts and agriculture scientists for better yield and deciding the sowing timings to lessen the impact of climate change. The state government should focus on food processing industry, floriculture, fruits, vegetables, pulses, etc., so that if natural calamities strike, farmers do not suffer economically. The state and Central governments should announce handsome financial assistance for farmers to help them recover the losses suffered. The agricultural land is being converted into urban areas in the metropolitan cities at a brisk pace. If this rapid conversion goes on, our agriculture yield will go down further in future.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Exhaustive insurance scheme needed

Both the farming community and the government need to accept the phenomena of growing uncertainties and inherent risks arising from the hostile weather and unfavorable climatic conditions. The financial viability of farming and the very concept of government being farmer-friendly depend upon how better prepared the stockholders are in dealing with such unfortunate eventualities. Once accepted, it is not difficult to find the lasting solution to this mammoth problem persisting since the farming was invented. Given the present circumstances of budgeted allocations and the economics of money being more prevalent, it is not feasible for the government to come out, each time, with financial packages that can fully satisfy the expectations of the farmers. Therefore, the only lasting and viable solution is the comprehensive crop insurance. Now the issues are those of the payment of premium, coverage, assessment of loss and reimbursement of loss. As regards the payment of premium, it should be entirely left to the government for full contribution in cases of small and marginal farmers. For others, the government may think of contributing to the extent of 25% to 50% of the total yearly premium. The cost sharing of such payments to the insurance companies should be equally shared by the Centre and the state governments. A nodal officer at block level be appointed to oversee all the insurance operations till the reimbursement is made to the farmers without demand and hassles.

Jagdish Chander

Farmer must make use of technology

Weather inconsistency is a common phenomenon that poses a potential threat to agriculture in the world today. Farmers should adopt climate change strategies to mitigate its tremendous negative effects. They should remain alert to frequent weather changes to manage unpredicted risks and ensure high yields. Using modern technology, farmers should be aware of daily upcoming changes in weather conditions and schedule their activities such as sowing, irrigation, herbicide and fertiliser applications, and harvesting accordingly. They should ensure proper water infiltration to prevent flooding, waterlogging, chemical leakage and soil erosion. Improved irrigation efficiency brings stable plant development. Mulching and crop residue resolve the farming and climate change issues. Rainwater harvesting is beneficial in drought-hit areas. Cover crops, no-tillage or minimum tillage, use of adaptive crops, crop diversification and rotation, increasing soil health and organic practices are of great help. As against sustainable farming practices, farmers should not indulge in improper field operations such as excessive use of water, fertilizers and herbicides, soil degradation, stubble burning, deforestration that impact ecology and climate. Major policy changes are required to support climate-friendly farming and reduce the damage of climate change and build climate resilience.

Tajpreet S Kang

Frame policies based on climate change

Farmers in Punjab have experienced unexpected showers this year which have damaged crops like wheat, potato, maize, vegetables and cattle fodder. Since farming depends on weather conditions, climate change has raised serious concern among economists, ecologists and agriculturists across the world. Under severe conditions such as abnormally cold winters, hot summers, scanty rains and droughts or vice versa, hot winters, cold summers, incessant rains, floods and excessive moisture, agriculture has become acutely challenging. It is time to act and solve the challenges of climate change. We should all join to mitigate the speed and effect of climate change on crops. We should adopt sustainable lifestyle, change our diet and modes of travelling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, switch to green energy supplier and listen to the sane advice of climate pioneers to tackle the burgeoning climate crisis. Changing weather conditions introduce a number of issues for farmers. Therefore, climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture are of primary importance. Farmers have to amend their practices to address this catastrophic threat. To ensure the safety and proper yield, they should carry on their various farm activities like tilling, sowing, spraying pesticides, using fertilisers, watering and harvesting according to the weather predictions. They should prevent flooding, soil erosion, water logging and moisture. Improved irrigation systems, increasing the fertility of soil by using green manure and cow dung, crop diversification will be of great help. The government should provide farmers with seeds that are more tolerant to water deficiency or excess, and temperature uncertainties. It should encourage effective soil management by reducing depletion, promoting carbon sequestration, sparing natural resources, eliminating chemical applications and harmful emissions.

DS Kang

Go for seeds that are heat & cold resistant

The unseasonal rain over the past many days has damaged the wheat crop not only in Punjab, but also in Haryana and UP. This is because of the increasing impact of climate change. Philadelphia state in the US too is bearing the brunt of the vagaries of weather; it has reported a number of deaths and widespread damage. While unseasonal rain is being reported from a large number of areas, even forest fires are happening at many places, latest being Catalonia state in Spain. Now the question is: ‘How can we curtail the losses resulting from such extreme conditions?’ The answer lies with scientists. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has worked on some wheat seeds that are resistant to heat and rain. More research should be done on coming up with such hybrid seeds which can ensure better returns to farmers even in the case of extremities. Besides, the government announces compensation whenever calamity strikes. Despite all this, not much can be done. Mankind has to mend its ways if it really wants to survive. We can’t conquer nature.

Dr JS Wadhwa

Create a drainage system around fields

Punjab, the land of crops and food bowl of India, is now suffering under the unseasonal downpour. The poor and helpless farmers are at the receiving end. There is a great need for improvement in specific fields to mitigate the losses to farmers and crops. To cope with climate change, especially unseasonal rain, government and farmers can take the following steps. First of all, a latest drainage system needs to be implemented. A good system of draining all rainwater can result in the protection the crop. To develop such an advanced infrastructure of vast water system, farmers need to be educated and made aware of their surroundings. Another solution can be to plant more trees and shrubs around the crops to protect them from running water and provide a shelter to crops from all kinds of natural calamities, including thunderstorm. Lastly, rainwater harvesting will result in preventing the crop loss. The government must provide financial safety and crop insurance measures to save the life of farmers.

Lakshit Jindal

Implement crop insurance in state

Life or General Insurance is the best safe guard against any unfortunate incidents causing damage to one’s life or assets. On these lines the Central Government had floated a scheme called Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to compensate the farming community in case of any natural calamity causing damage to the standings crops. This scheme was launched on February 18, 2016 in the country. Under the insurance plan, a concerned farmer is to pay on 2 and 1.5 per cent of the total premium for kharif and rabi crops, respectively, and balance is to be paid by the Central and state governments in 50:50 ratio. Many states and Union territories opted for it but the Punjab government did not join it. Now with the change of guards in Punjab, new government planned to implement it but even after one year in power they have not implemented it. This is the best safe guards in case of damage to standing crops due to hailstorm, heavy rains, etc.

Nityanshi Chopra

Fill vacant posts of patwaris

It is well known fact that recent unseasonal rains in the state have caused a wide spread damage to the standing wheat crop. To control the damage caused by rains, the state government is deputing officials and its MLAs to visit the affected areas which is nothing but a gimmick to get publicity through the media. In The Tribune dated April 4, it was reported that out of sanctioned strength of 3,660 posts of patwaris, 1,700 posts are lying vacant which is the real issue to be addressed. Patwaris are to assess the damage caused by rains and on their reports affected farmers will get the compensation. The state government should put in use GIS (geographic information system) to assess the damage in a time-bound manners.

Harsh Johar

Inclement weather, a regular feature

Rains in the last week of March or first week of April were called a freak phenomenon in the past, and usually used to be a local event. But, thanks to climate change on account of over industrialisation world over and the consequent excessive carbon load in the atmosphere, unexpected weather events in the form of widespread rains, high velocity winds, floods, hail stones, heat waves, glacial meltings, etc. are all now a frequent occurrence. Climatologists have been regularly warning about such catastrophes, but in vain. Recent rains have damaged standing wheat crop in more than 15 lakh hectares in Punjab alone. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have also reported heavy damage to harvest-ready wheat. By all accounts, it is a natural event and one cannot blame any individual or any government. Besides, such calamities are going to visit us even in the days and years to come. The Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been quick to order a ‘girdawari’ (physical inspection) of the area and know the extent of the relief required. The farmers would press for some relaxation in the quality standards for procurement. I wonder whether it is feasible and desirable. The Indian Agricultural Research Organisation and Punjab Agriculture University have recommended getting out of the vicious wheat-paddy cycle, but it cannot happen overnight. Crop insurance, for various reasons, has not gained popularity.

Prof Mohan Singh

Give financial relief to farmers in distress

Recently, the adverse impact of climate change being felt too frequently and unseasonal heavy rain has caused widespread damage to standing wheat crop on over 15 lakh hectares across the state. The farmers stare at a major loss as untimely rains and hail hit wheat crop in the state. The government can take numerous steps to mitigate some of loss to farmers. Primarily, it can compensate the farmers and give them financial assistance for meeting their financial loss. Secondly, the government can try to control inflation in the state to help farmers. Furthermore, the government can announce a moratorium on the repayment of loans taken by farmers from the cooperative banks. Therefore, the government can resolve the problem to some extent by taking such measures.

Jasleen Kaur

Use service of MGNREGA workers

With the impact of climate change, either due to heat wave as in the last year or due to unseasonal rain this year, widespread damage to the standing wheat crop is caused every year. Now it has become a regular feature. At the government level no out of the box idea is floated to meet this challenge, except to adopt an old traditional formula of getting the girdawari done and pay a meagre amount of compensation to the affected farmer that too after a lot of protests by farm unions. When we talk about out of the box idea to meet the challenge, our attention is drawn towards a news item with photograph published in The Tribune. In this news it was reported that many farmers in Moga district have dug trenches to drain out rain water from their fields. They did so manually whereas it could be done by using pumping sets also. But this should be done at the government level. For this purpose, the state government should form an authority on the pattern of National Disaster Management Authority to save farmers from the natural calamities like unseasonal rains, etc. Instead of deputing MLAs of the area to visit the villages where crops are damaged due to heavy rains such practical measures should be adopted by the state government. The government can also put labourers under MGNREGA scheme to dig the trenches in the fields.

Naresh Johar

QUESTION

CM Bhagwant Mann recently announced that he would hold ‘Naujawan Sabha’ meetings with youth twice a month so that the government can formulate policies to help them start new businesses and undertake other innovative initiatives. Will this move help address the concerns of the state youth?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (April 13).