Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security

Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate Change

Key points from the article “Farmers lost $3.8 trillion to disasters over 30 years: FAO’s first-ever global estimation”:

• Global Losses: Estimated $3.8 trillion worth of crops and livestock production lost due to natural disasters over the last 30 years, averaging around $123 billion per year, accounting for 5% of annual global agricultural GDP.
• Crop and Livestock Losses: Major losses were observed in cereals, fruits, vegetables, sugar crops, meats, dairy products, and eggs, with cereals accounting for an average loss of 69 million tonnes per year, followed by fruits and vegetables, and sugar crops, each experiencing 40 million tonnes of losses annually.
• Regional Disparities: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas displayed similar levels of losses, although the impact varied significantly across different subregions and country groups.
• Impact on Countries: Lower and lower-middle-income countries experienced the highest relative losses, up to 15% of their total agricultural GDP, while Small Island Developing States lost nearly 7% of their agricultural GDP.
• Importance of Resilience: Proactive and timely interventions in response to forecasted hazards are crucial to build resilience. Investing in anticipatory action can lead to significant benefits, with rural families gaining up to $7 for every $1 invested and avoiding agricultural losses.
• Priorities for Action: The report emphasizes the need to improve data and information on the impacts of disasters, develop multi-hazard disaster risk reduction approaches, and enhance investments in resilience that yield benefits in reducing disaster risk and improving agricultural production and livelihoods.

About Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA)

Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the adaptability of farming systems to climate change.

Resilience within the context of agriculture refers to the capability of agricultural systems to effectively and flexibly respond to, recuperate from, and flourish in the face of varying climate conditions, while preserving their fundamental functions, identities, and structures. Climate-resilient agriculture involves the strategic and sustainable utilization of existing natural resources, aiming to achieve long-term improvements in both productivity and farm incomes, particularly when faced with unpredictable climate fluctuations and uncertainties.

Impact of disasters on agriculture in India (leading to substantial economic and agricultural losses)

• Economic Losses: Disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and other extreme weather events have resulted in substantial economic losses in the agricultural sector.
• Crop Damages: Crop damages have been a major consequence of these disasters, leading to decreased agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
• Livestock Impacts: Livestock, including cattle, poultry, and other animals, have also faced severe impacts, leading to a decline in livestock production and associated income.
• Smallholder Vulnerability: Smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to the impact of disasters, as they often lack the resources and infrastructure to cope with and recover from such events.
• Food Security Concerns: Agricultural disasters have also raised concerns about food security, as they directly affect the availability and accessibility of food for both rural and urban populations.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian government has implemented various initiatives, including crop insurance schemes, disaster relief funds, and support programs, to assist farmers in coping with the aftermath of agricultural disasters.
• Climate Change Adaptation: With the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, there is a growing emphasis on climate change adaptation measures in Indian agriculture, including the promotion of climate-resilient crops and farming practices.
• Research and Development: Research and development efforts are ongoing to develop and promote technologies and practices that can help mitigate the impact of disasters on Indian agriculture and enhance the resilience of farming communities.

Various government efforts in India to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental protection:

• National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture: Initiated in 2010 to promote the efficient and sustainable management of resources for agricultural development.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015 to encourage the adoption of micro-irrigation and drip irrigation systems, aiming to conserve water in agriculture.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Implemented to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and the adoption of appropriate technologies.
• Green India Mission: Launched in 2014 to enhance and protect forest covers, thus contributing to climate change mitigation and ecological balance.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Initiated to facilitate soil testing and provide guidance to farmers regarding the appropriate use of fertilizers, aiming to maintain soil fertility.
• Neem-Coated Urea: Introduced to curtail the excessive usage of urea fertilizers, thereby safeguarding soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): is an innovative agricultural practice that promotes natural farming without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• National Project on Organic Farming and National Agroforestry Policy: Implemented to encourage the adoption of organic farming techniques and agroforestry, ensuring both financial benefits and ecosystem conservation.
• Organic Farming Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim: These states have actively promoted and adopted organic farming practices to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural production.
• ICAR Climate-Resilient Villages: The establishment of climate-resilient villages in 151 districts, focusing on building villages with a positive carbon footprint.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Initiated in 2005 to provide employment opportunities, economic stability, and environmental conservation in rural areas.

About Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a comprehensive approach designed to aid agricultural system managers in effectively responding to the challenges posed by climate change.

 The key objectives of the CSA approach are:

1. Sustainable Productivity and Income Increase: The aim is to promote agricultural practices that enable the sustainable escalation of productivity and income for farmers and stakeholders involved.
2. Adaptation to Climate Change: The focus is on implementing strategies and practices that facilitate the adaptation of agricultural systems to the impacts and changes brought about by climate variations and unpredictability.
3. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The approach also emphasizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, wherever feasible, by incorporating eco-friendly practices and methods within the agricultural processes.