(a) whether the global warming/climate change has adversely affected
agricultural production in the country;
(b) if so, the decline registered in production of rice, wheat,
sugarcane and oilseeds, crops during each of the last three years,
State-wise and production-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to conduct any study in regard
to decline in agricultural production due to global warming/climate change; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE,FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) While the impact of climate change on agricultural production has been
demonstrated at the times of extreme weather events, due to a favourable monsoon
during the last three years, agricultural production in the country is steadily
increasing.
(b) The national production of rice, wheat, sugarcane and oilseeds during 2011-12
is estimated at 102.8, 88.3, 347.9 and 30.5 million tonnes, respectively. However,
the oilseeds production has slightly declined due to less area under the crops during 2011-12.
(c) & (d): To enhance resilience of Indian Agriculture against climate change,
a new scheme ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) with an
outlay of Rs. 350 crores for the period 2010-12 has been launched by the Government.
This scheme is likely to be continued in the XII plan. The scheme aims at evolving
cost-effective adaptation and mitigation strategies against climate change
through (i) strategic research on natural resources major food crops, livestock,
marine and fresh water fisheries for adaptation and mitigation;
(ii) demonstration of available climate resilient practices on farmers’ fields in
100 most vulnerable districts of the country (iii) strengthen research infrastructure
and capacity building of scientists for undertaking long term research on climate
change adaptation; and (iv) sponsored research.