Image Credits : The Indian Express
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has underscored the crucial connection between climate change and its detrimental effects on agriculture, particularly following the recent disaster in Wayanad. Speaking at a press conference on August 16, the Chief Minister attributed the root cause of the Wayanad disaster to climate change, which has increasingly shown its detrimental effects on various sectors, especially agriculture.
Vijayan highlighted that agriculture is one of the sectors most at risk from climate change. He underscored the need to focus discussions on the impact of climate change on agriculture and the necessary measures to mitigate these challenges. He referred to expert estimates, noting that rain-dependent rice yields in India could see a drastic reduction due to climate change—by 20% by 2050 and by a staggering 47% by 2080. Similarly, wheat yields are projected to decrease by 19.3% by 2050 and by 40% by 2080.
The Chief Minister stated that these projections are alarming and demand immediate and sustained attention from both the government and the public. “The impact of climate change on agriculture is a serious concern, and we must take action now to prevent further damage,” he said, urging for a collaborative effort to address the issue.
The recent disaster in Wayanad, where heavy rains and landslides led to significant loss of life and property, has brought the issue of climate change to the forefront. The region, known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, has been experiencing increasingly erratic weather patterns, which experts attribute to global climate change. These changes have not only affected the natural environment but have also had a profound impact on the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
In response to the disaster, the Kerala government has initiated a series of relief measures for those affected, including financial aid and rehabilitation efforts. However, Vijayan emphasized that such measures are only temporary solutions and that the long-term focus must be on addressing the underlying causes of these disasters.
As part of the broader efforts to combat climate change, the Kerala government has announced plans to implement sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the changing climate. This includes promoting the use of drought-resistant crop varieties, improving irrigation infrastructure, and educating farmers on climate-resilient farming techniques.
The Chief Minister also called for a nationwide dialogue on the issue, stressing that climate change is not just a local problem but a global challenge that requires coordinated action. He expressed hope that other states would join Kerala in taking proactive steps to address the impact of climate change on agriculture.