Transforming Indian Agriculture to Combat Climate Change and Ensure Food Security

India has recently endured record high temperatures, underscoring the severe threat climate change poses to the nation’s food security for its 1.4 billion people. The upcoming 2024 budget represents a crucial opportunity to transform the agricultural sector into one that is resilient, sustainable, and empowered. Key initiatives proposed include investing in research and development of climate-resilient crop technologies, promoting organic and regenerative farming practices, and establishing climate-resilient clusters to provide data-driven support to farmers.
The budget should also focus on improving water efficiency in agriculture and leveraging digital platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) to enhance market access for farmers. Additionally, establishing districts as export hubs and re-evaluating the subsidy regime to promote sustainable farming practices are vital steps.
India can draw inspiration from Brazil’s success in agricultural productivity and export growth by fostering better linkages between producers and processors and strengthening regulatory bodies like the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). Ultimately, the 2024 budget has the potential to not only ensure food security but also empower rural communities, revitalize the agricultural sector, and position India as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.