Climate-Resilient Rice Cultivation in India: Overcoming Challenges for Sustainable Food Security

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to rice cultivation in India, impacting yield and production due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and increasing salinity. India, the world's second-largest rice producer, faces challenges in maintaining rice output amid these environmental stresses. Studies highlight temperature increases leading to significant yield reductions, with potential losses in major river basins. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices, such as direct-seeded rice, drought-tolerant varieties and integrated crop diversification, offer solutions to mitigate these impacts. CRA emphasizes water conservation, reduced labour costs and improved input efficiency. Climate-resilient rice varieties, particularly those tolerant to salinity and submergence, are crucial for sustaining food security and farmer livelihoods in vulnerable regions. Despite benefits, barriers to adoption include policy issues, lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technology. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs and local communities are essential for fostering the widespread implementation of these practices to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.