Essay – Alternative technologies for a climate change-resilient India
Alternative technologies for a climate change-resilient India Essay: India has predominantly been an agricultural-dependent economy since the pre-colonial ages. Agrarian practices and animal rearing habits such as sheep, goats and cows for basic necessities like milk, egg and cattle flesh were sufficient for elevating the economy from 25% to 35% of the world’s GDP. India is endowed with vast fertile lands classified into fifteen agro-climatic zones by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Consistency of monsoonal rains has been the key factor for the agrarian sector to be lucrative. The nation’s agricultural production is dependent on 70% rainfall during monsoons that aid 60% of irrigation.
Discussion
Climate change is a major factor that determines the rate of agricultural production in India. The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) analyzed that the rise in temperature and scarcity of rainfall will reduce the production of rice by 2.5% in 2050 and irrigation of other crops such as wheat and Barley by 7%. Such drastic patterns of rainfall have called for the implementation of alternative technologies such as rainwater harvesting techniques, greenhouse agriculture and solar energy to ensure consistency in agricultural production that contributes 16% of the country’s GDP and generates 49% of total employment. Rainwater harvesting projects such as the ‘Mukhyamantri Jal Swabalambam Abhiyan Abhiyan in Rajasthan have ensured consistent supplies of water in the arid agricultural lands. The construction of ‘Nalla Bunds’ and ‘Anicuts’ store rainwater in seasons of excessive rain and are utilized for irrigation during seasons of scarce rainfall. Greenhouse technology is another technology used to ensure agricultural production throughout the year. Greenhouse agriculture was introduced in Sikkim in 2019 and has spread across the southern state of Karnataka. The method of agricultural technique grows crops under partial or completely controlled environments where water, heat and fertilizers are applied on a calculated basis. Solar energy usage is the latest technology used in agricultural practices in India. The headquarters of International Solar Alliance is in India. It has invested most of its efforts in the agricultural sector of the nation to ensure an efficient supply of electricity for windmills and dams to generate water for irrigation during times of rainwater scarcity. In addition to improving traditional rainwater practices, Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops are the latest technology in modifying the cultivation of crops in India. For instance, GM Cotton and BT Brinjal were approved by the government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India is an agricultural dominant economy that contributes 16% to the GDP of the economy and ensures 49% of employment. Despite being the most important sector for commercial and sustainable food production, it is threatened by irregular patterns of rainfall impeding its profitable production. The latest technologies in the agricultural sector have implemented the usage of rainwater harvesting by building Anicots and ‘Nalla Bunds’ that regulate the usage of rainwater during seasons of excessive rainfall and seasons of scarcity of rainfall. Solar energy, greenhouse agriculture and Genetically Modified Organism Crops like Bt Brinjal will bring about a paradigm shift in Indian agriculture.
FAQs
Q1. Which organization analyzes the factors for agriculture in India?
Ans: The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) analyzes the factors essential for agriculture in India.
Q2. Why is agriculture important in India?
Ans: In India, the agricultural sector contributes 16% to the GDP and generates 49% of employment.