(a) whether as per the recent studies conducted by various agencies including the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, production of foodgrains is decreasing due to
the impact of rising temperature on agriculture;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the remedial measures taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): There is no definite indication so far of decrease in foodgrain production in
the country due to rise in temperature. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
initiated a Network Project on Climate Change during X Plan to study the impact of climate
change and global warming on agricultural crops, horticulture, forests, livestock, fisheries,
etc. The limited studies conducted under this project have indicated that the increase in
minimum temperature by 1ºC during reproductive stage of wheat may reduce the yield by 7-10%.
(c) To enhance resilience of Indian agriculture against climate change including rising
temperature a new scheme National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture with an outlay
of Rs.350 crore for the period 2010-12 has been launched by the Government. The scheme aims
to assess the impact of climate change on agriculture and allied sectors in the country and
evolve cost effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.Besides, mid term, corrections
in farm operations are effected through contingency plans and weather based agro-advisories.