![]() ![]() Scientists have reported that when wheat, maize, soyabean and peas are grown under high levels of carbon dioxide, their protein, zinc and iron content is reduced. On top of Punjab's already depleted water resources, the state's rainfall is expected to decrease by more than 10 per cent by 2050.Īn obscure consequence of climate change has only recently come to light. It is predicted that by 2050, Punjab’s average temperature would increase by over 2.5 degree Celsius, which would be disastrous for food production as the state produces more than 20 per cent of India’s wheat and more than 10 per cent of the countrys rice. India’s annual loss for all crops, as estimated by the FAO, could be as high as $20 billion a year.Ī two degree Celsius rise in average temperature is expected to make India’s monsoon highly unpredictable, and droughts more frequent, especially in the north-western region. Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines have concluded that a one degree Celsius increase in minimum temperature would reduce rice productivity by 10 per cent. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a one degree Celsius rise in temperature would reduce India’s wheat production by six million tonnes per year, a loss of about $1.5 billion. India is likely to see a large drop in foodgrain production because of heat stress and water shortage. ![]() India’s most important food security crops are wheat and rice. Innovative solutions are needed to reduce agriculture-generated GHG emissions. Nitrous oxide is produced by microbial processes in soils and manures, and excess application of nitrogen fertiliser. In addition, gut flora (methanogens) in cattle produce methane, which is a byproduct of enteric fermentation cattle belch out the methane so produced. Methane is produced by flooded rice fields. Significant amounts of carbon dioxide are released by decomposition of soil organic matter and burning of crop residue and fossil fuels, i.e., coal and natural gas. To reduce the footprint of agriculture relative to climate change, it is imperative to understand how agriculture contributes to GHGs. ![]() Unless we are able to stem the tide of climate change, agriculture and consequently our food security, that includes food availability, food accessibility, food utilisation and stability of food systems, will be adversely impacted. Thus, agriculture is both an abettor and victim of climate change. Of the total human-caused emissions of GHGs, 10 to 12 per cent are attributable to agriculture. The main causes of global warming are greenhouse gases (GHGs, primarily carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide). ![]()
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