The report reveals that over 60 per cent of marginal farmers have faced significant crop losses due to extreme weather events in the past five years, with more than half reporting severe impacts.
The Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) in collaboration with the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) unveiled a comprehensive report today on the profound impacts of climate change on marginal farmers in India. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the agriculture sector to discuss the findings and propose actionable solutions.
The theme of this year’s report, “Impact of Climate Change on Marginal Farmers,” delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on marginal farmers, offering data-driven insights and practical recommendations for resilience-building. The survey involved 6,615 respondents across 20 major states in India, showing that 40.9 per cent of farmers have experienced droughts, while 32.6 per cent have faced excessive rains, leading to significant crop losses. These challenges necessitate immediate and sustained action.
Marginal farmers are farmers with less than one hectare of land. They constitute the largest segment of India’s agricultural sector. They account for 68.5 per cent of all farmers in India, but own only about 24 per cent of the crop area. With a per capita holding of 0.38hectares, the production surpluses at current levels of technology and institutional support systems makes it difficult for them to sustain their families thereby leading to rising distress in Indian agriculture.
Reduced crop yields
The report reveals that over 60 per cent of marginal farmers have faced significant crop losses due to extreme weather events in the past five years, with more than half reporting severe impacts. These climatic disturbances have drastically reduced crop yields. 50 per cent of farmers experienced at least half their standing paddy crop loss, and 42 per cent reported similar losses for wheat. Such losses not only threaten food security but also exacerbate the economic instability of marginal farming households.
One of the critical insights from the report is the inadequacy of current adaptation strategies. Only 30 per cent of marginal farmers have access to crop insurance, and a mere 25 per cent receive timely financial credit. This highlights the need for improved access to financial credit, crop insurance, and advanced technological resources. It also emphasizes the benefits of direct benefit transfers (DBTs) and the importance of irrigation facilities in enhancing resilience against climate shocks.
Unprecedented summer heat
The release event was marked by the presence of dignitaries and experts from the government, not-for-profit, agriculture-sector corporates, multilateral agencies and not-for profit organisations sharing insights on the way forward. They explored innovative solutions and successful case studies of climate-smart interventions. A panel discussion focused on the role of the private sector in supporting high-value agriculture and sustainable farming practices, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships in fostering resilience among marginal farmers. Organisations like Passing Gifts, (a subsidiary of Heifer International) and Syngenta India shared their initiatives, which have helped marginal farmers enhance their productivity and sustainability.
“Climate change is no longer a threat somewhere on the horizon. It is here and now. The unprecedented summer heat in the NCR and across India this year is a good validation of this crisis. Putting an adaptation strategy in place today is not an option, but a compulsion. We need to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, diversify livelihoods, and improve access to financial services and technical advice,” said Sanjeev Chopra, Chairperson, Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED).
The event concluded with a call for a paradigm shift towards climate-resilient agriculture, advocating for improved water management, enhanced farmer education, and stronger extension support services. Key recommendations include promoting sustainable and natural farming practices, increasing financial inclusion, and fostering partnerships for integrated solutions. Investing in natural resource management and farmer-led initiatives is also emphasized as crucial for building long-term resilience.
