For a lot of years, climate change has been in the talk. So what is climate change? Are we really facing it?
So according to NASA, climate change is long term shifts in global or regional temperatures and weather patterns
It can occur naturally or by human activities.
So what does climate change have to do with food?
Climate change consists of complex challenges to food, which will impact human health and sustainable development. India is known for its farmers and farming. Where agriculture is the bread and butter of this country and livelihood depends on it, India faces great vulnerability in agriculture and with it’s growing population it requires a great amount of food. Agriculture on India depends heavily on the monsoon. Delayed monsoons, unpredictable rainfall and heat waves have become frequent which affect sowing season. Crops such as wheat, rice,maize and pulses are highly sensitive to the climate and thus affected the most. Water scarcity is another growing concern. Agriculture accounts for majority of freshwater and depletion can result in low yield crops. This impact is same for vegetables and fruits. Heat can reduce the fruit size and can affect sweetness and nutritional quality.
Studies suggest that elevated atmospheric CO2 level can reduce the concentration of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and protein in staple crops.
Government initiatives like National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA),the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) are supporting farmers in adapting climatic conditions.
What other things are getting affected by climate change? As a consumers what role do we play?
MBH/PS