A Critical Review of Agronomic Responses to Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change poses escalating risks to agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem stability. It affects nearly every aspect of agricultural systems by altering growing seasons, reducing soil moisture, increasing evapotranspiration, intensifying pest and disease pressures, and disrupting nutrient cycling.  This review summarises how increased temperatures, altered precipitation, and intensified extreme events are transforming agronomic practices and necessitating advanced crop adaptation strategies. Climate-smart agriculture, supportive policy frameworks, and robust extension systems are central to enhancing resilience. Emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, remote sensing, and genomic tools, are accelerating the development and adoption of climate-resilient cultivars and improving farm-level decision-making. Advanced breeding techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 and genomic selection further strengthen tolerance to heat and drought stress. Long-term climate monitoring and predictive modelling provide critical data for planning and risk management. Coordinated global research, public-private partnerships, and integrated policy support remain essential for sustaining agricultural systems under a warming climate.