Ecology & Climate

Change

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 Introduction
This document consists of 4 sections

1) 10 Marker Questions: In this part we shall be giving you 10 marker questions.

These are supposed to be somewhat direct and easy as compared to 15 marker
questions

2) 15 Marker Questions: In this part we shall be giving you 15 marker questions.

These are supposed to be little complex or consisting of multiple sub questions or
may be an integrated question from concepts of different chapters

3) Previous Year Descriptive Questions: There are no previous year descriptive

questions as this is introduced for the first time in 2021.

4) The exam was conducted in objective pattern till 2020. Hence, for these years no
subjective questions are available.

5) Homework Question: There is one homework question for you to think and write.
The answer for this question will not be given by us.

Other Guidelines

1. The answers given here are not to be crammed. They are not given from the
perspective of being perfect answers. No answer is a perfect answer. If we ask 500
people to write answers to these questions, then we will get 500 different answers
and we cannot decide which one is perfect answer. The answers given here is to
help you guide towards the approach to answer writing.

2. The answers written here may exceed the word limit in some cases. But that is
done intentionally, so that you understand it better and in exam you can further
summarize that information to achieve the desired word-limit.

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 3. In certain answers, the content/points written may not be covered in the
notes/summary sheet. But that is also done to make you realize that we cannot
simply be bookish in writing answers, rather some content/points need to be
written from our understanding of things. This is called the application part

4. We would recommend that questions to the answers should not be just read.
What you shall do is
a. For 2-3 questions, please write answer in your own words so that you get
practice for descriptive writing. Then try to match your answer with answer
given by us and try to self-evaluate
b. For the rest of the questions, try to make an outline as in what you will
write in this answer. Then try to match your outline with answer given by us
and try to self-evaluate

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 10 Markers (400 Words)

Q.1) Describe the effects of climate change on the Indian monsoon and the impact on
agriculture and water sources.

Approach:

Introduction: Introduction about Monsson and the effect of climate change on the same.

Body: Highlight the impact of changing monsoon patterns on agriculture and water
resources with suitable examples.

Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the
answer by stating the importance of ensuring sustainable agriculture and water resources
and the need for government efforts on the same.
Answer

Monsoon is crucial for agriculture in India, as it provides the necessary moisture for crop
growth and sustains the country's water resources. However, the Indian monsoon system
has suffered severe consequences due to climate change, affecting the agricultural sector
and water resources.

Effect on Indian Monsoon:

• Climate change is causing shifts in the timing and intensity of the monsoon, leading
to changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall.
• This can result in droughts in some regions and floods in others, affecting crop yields
and water availability.
Having understood the same, now let us discuss the impact on changing monsoon
patterns on agriculture and water resources below:

1. Impact on Agriculture:
• The variability in Monsoon has also impacted the cropping systems. In the Indian
subcontinent, the two main crop planting seasons are kharif (planted at the start of
the monsoon) and rabi (planted at the end of the monsoon). The kharif season is
almost entirely dependent on the monsoon. Both crops are affected by the changing
arrival and withdrawal patterns of the monsoon.

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 • Heavy rainfall in September reduces yields of short-duration kharif crops such as
groundnut, urad, soybean, and maize, and disrupts storage and transportation,
potentially leading to food inflation and a food crisis.
• Uneven distribution rains along with increasing temperatures and humidity can give
rise to pest attacks and diseases. This can, in turn, impact the quality of the grain as
well as their nutritious value.
• This can result in reduced food security and increased poverty, especially for rural
communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

2. Impact on Water Resource:

• Climate change is causing changes in the availability and distribution of water

resources in India, with some areas experiencing increased water scarcity while
others experience increased flooding.
• This can affect the availability of water for agriculture and other uses, leading to
reduced food production and increased water-borne diseases.
• One example of the impacts of climate change on the Indian monsoon can be seen in
the state of Maharashtra, where droughts in recent years have led to reduced crop
yields and increased water scarcity, affecting the livelihoods of farmers and rural
communities.
• Available records suggest that the Gangotri glacier is retreating about 28 m per
year. Glacial melt is expected to increase under changed climate conditions, which
would lead to increased summer flows in some river systems
• In the Indo-Gangetic Plain Region in the past whereby different rivers (including Kosi,
Ganga, Ghaghara, Son, Indus and its tributaries and Yamuna) changed their course
several times. => devastating floods in Nepal and Bihar.

Indian monsoon play an important role in the country's agriculture, and an erratic monsoon
can have disastrous effects on both agriculture and water resources. To ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and water resources in India, it is crucial to address the impacts
of climate change on the Indian monsoon system. In addition, these extreme events should
serve as a wake-up call for the global leadership to address climate change's impacts.

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 Q.2) Examine the causes of deforestation

Approach:

Introduction: Define deforestation and shed some light on the concept

Body: discuss the causes for deforestation with supporting facts

Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude

the answer by stating the importance of forest management in a futuristic note.

Answer

Deforestation is a very broad term, which consists of cutting of trees including repeated
lopping, felling, and removal of forest litter, browsing, grazing, and trampling of seedlings. It
can also be defined as the removal or damage of vegetation in a forest to the extent that it
no longer supports its natural flora and fauna. The most common reason for deforestation
is the cutting of wood for fuel, lumber, and paper. Another important cause relates to the
clearing of forest land for agriculture, including conversion to cropland and pasture.

The main causes of deforestation are:

1. Agriculture:
• The expanding agriculture is one of the most important causes of deforestation. As
demands for agricultural products rises, more and more land is brought under
cultivation, and for that more forests are cleared, grasslands and even marshes,
and lands under water are reclaimed.
• Thus, there is much more ecological destruction than gain in terms of crop yield.
The forest soils after clearing are unable to support farming for long periods due to
exhaustion of nutrients.
• Once the soils become unfit for cultivation, the area suffers from soil erosion and
degradation.
2. Shifting cultivation:
• Shifting cultivation or Jhoom farming is a 12000-year-old practice and a step
towards the transition from food collection to food production. It is also known as
slash and- burn method of farming.
• Annually about 5 lakh hectares of forest are cleared for this type of farming.
• This method of cultivation causes extreme deforestation, as, after 2-3 years of
tilling, the land is left to the mercy of nature to recover.

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 • Even today, shifting cultivation is practiced in the states of Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands.
3. Demand for firewood:
• Firewood has been used as a source of energy for cooking, heating, etc. Almost 44%
of the total global wood produced fulfills the fuel requirements of the world.
• A close look at the pattern of utilization of wood produced will show that the
developed countries utilize 16% of their share for fuel requirements.
• India consumes nearly 135-170 Mt (Million tons) of firewood annually and 10-15 ha
of forest cover is being stripped off to meet the minimum fuel needs of urban and
rural poor.
4. Wood for industry and commercial use:
• Wood, the versatile forest produce, is used for several industrial purposes, such as
making crates, packing cases, furniture, matchboxes, wooden boxes, paper and
pulp, plywood, etc.
• Unrestricted exploitation of timber, as well as other wood products for commercial
purposes, is the main cause of forest degradation.
• For example, the apple industry in the Himalayan region has led to the destruction
of fir and other tree species, for making wooden boxes used for transporting
apples. Similarly, plywood crates were used for packing particularly tea and other
produce.
5. Urbanization and developmental projects:
• Often urbanization and developmental activities lead to deforestation. The process
of deforestation begins with the building of infrastructure in the form of roads,
railway lines, the building of dams, townships, electric supply, etc. Thermal power
plants, mining for coal, metal ores, and minerals are also important causes of
deforestation.

Way forward:

Forests cover about 30% of the world’s land area, but they are disappearing at an alarming
rate. According to the World Bank, between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 502,000 square
miles (1.3 million square kilometres) of forest—an area larger than South Africa. The
protection and conservation of forest resources are not only desirable but are also
necessary for the economic development of a nation and the maintenance of
environmental and ecological balance from local through regional to global levels. The first
and foremost task to conserve forests is to protect the existing forests from the merciless

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 and reckless cutting of trees by greedy economic men. This task may be achieved through
government legislation and by arousing public interest in the importance of the forest
resources.

15 Markers (600 Words)

Q.1) The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian
subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that
can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India.

Approach:

Introduction: Introduction about the current state of climate extreme in Indian

subcontinent

Body: Implications of climate extreme in the Indian subcontinent with supporting facts
and also measures needed in this regard

Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the
answer by stating the need of climate resilient measures.

Answer
Note – This answer exceeds word limits. This is done intentionally to give you some
additional points which you can refer in the examination hall since remembering each
point may be difficult.

As per “Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region” report, Indian subcontinent
has witnessed climate extremes. Average temperature has risen by around 0.7° C during
1901-2018, rainfall in summer monsoon declined by 6% during 1951 to 2015, drought
affected area increased by 1.3% per decade during 1951-2016 and sea surface rise in North
Indian Ocean has accelerated to 3.3 mm per year between 1993 and 2007.
Such increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes can have grave implications,
such as:

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 • Food Security: These changes can disrupt rainfed agricultural food production which
accounts for 60% of agricultural GDP of India.
• Water Security: Frequent droughts and floods hinders surface and groundwater
recharge. Rising sea level leads to intrusion of saltwater in the coastal aquifers
contaminating the groundwater. E.g. in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep etc.
Retreat of glaciers in Hindukush Himalayan region may impact the water supply in the
major rivers and streams.
• Energy demand: Rising temperatures are likely to increase energy demand for cooling.
• Human Health: These events could elevate risk of heat strokes, cardiovascular and
neurological diseases, stress related disorders and spread of vector-borne diseases such
as malaria and dengue fever.
• Biodiversity: Many species may face increasing threats, particularly those species which
are adapted to narrow environmental conditions. For example – coral reefs.
• Economy: According to the International Labour Organization, the loss in productivity
by 2030 because of heat stress could be the equivalent of India losing 34 million full-
time jobs. According to the Union Government, Desertification, land degradation and
drought cost India about 2.5% of gross domestic product in 2014-15.
• Sea-level rise increases the vulnerability of some large cities located on the coastline.
• Social issues: Climatic disasters such as droughts, cyclones and floods induce large scale
migration. Repeated crop failures add to the burden of already distressed farmers who
then commit suicides.

In this regard, India has taken various measures like NAPCC, INDCs, and SDGs among
others. Further, following steps can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India:
• Make vulnerability assessment central to long-term planning for developing region
and sector-specific adaptation and mitigation strategies by inclusion of detailed,
regional-scale climate change risk assessments.
• Greater emphasis on widening observational networks, sustained monitoring,
expanding research on regional changes in climate and their impacts. For instance,
networks of tide gauges with GPS along the Indian coastline would help monitor local
changes in sea level.
• Afforestation efforts: It helps to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration
and will also help in improving resilience against droughts, protecting coastal areas and
will support native wildlife and biodiversity.
• Building community awareness: Strategies should be formulated to effectively engage
citizens by disseminating public messages through media outlets and informational

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 materials on risks associated with climate change and simple steps citizens can take to
effectively tackle them.
• Utilising traditional knowledge: The in-depth traditional knowledge of land and nature
can be used as a reference while formulating the climate-resilient strategy. For example
– Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System in Kerala.

Conclusion:
Apart from these, equity and social justice should be ensured for building climate resilience
since the most vulnerable people such as the poor, the disabled, outdoor labourers and
farmers will bear the brunt of climate change impacts. Also, India needs to take a leading
role in bringing developed as well as developing and underdeveloped nations on common
platforms to build climate resilience.

Q.2) What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? What are the associated
importance and shortcomings of EIA in India?

Approach:
Introduction: Define EIA and shed some light on the concept.

Body: discuss the importance and challenges associated with EIA

Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the
answer by stating the importance of sustainable EIA process.

Answer

The UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the
environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making. EIA
aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find
ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment
and present the predictions and options to decision-makers.

The EIA notification 2006 establishes four stages for obtaining Environmental Clearance.

1. Screening:
• To categorize a project by State Level Expert Appraisal Committees (SLEAC) and
assess whether a project requires EIA or is exempted from EIA.
2. Scoping:

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 • By the central Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) and SLEAC to determine
comprehensive terms of reference for preparation of EIA report. At this stage NOC
is granted by assessing the report on compliance with the prescribed effluent and
emission standards.
3. Public Hearing:
• Done to address the objections or suggestions of the local people. It is conducted
by a committee with District Collector as the Chairperson and other members like
officials of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), representatives of Taluka and
Gram Sabha, etc.
4. Appraisal:
• The EAC and SLEAC scrutinize the final EIA report and, NOCs and then it is
presented to MoEF&CC
Environment Impact Assessment has some measurable benefits that cannot be
undermined. Let’s discuss some of them below:

1. Prevent conflicts: EIA is Important to ensure peaceful operations and conflict

management in many projects.
2. Sustainable development: EIA links environment with development for
environmentally safe and sustainable development.
3. Environmental protection: EIA is more than technical reports, it is a means to a larger
intention, the protection and improvement of the environmental quality of life.
4. Evaluate the effects of activities: EIA is a procedure to identify and evaluate the effects
of activities (mainly human) on the environment- natural and social.
5. Minimize the adverse impact: EIA provides a cost-effective method to eliminate or
minimize the adverse impact of developmental projects.
However, there are certain shortcomings that are discussed below:

Shortcomings of EIA Process:

1. Applicability:
• There are several projects with significant environmental impacts that are
exempted from the notification either because they are not listed in schedule I, or
their investments are less than what is provided for in the notification.
2. Composition of expert committees and standards:
• It has been found that the team formed for conducting EIA studies is lacking the
expertise in various fields such as environmentalists, wildlife experts,
Anthropologists and Social Scientists.
3. Public hearing:

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 • Public comments are not considered at an early stage, which often leads to conflict
at a later stage of project clearance.
• A number of projects with significant environmental and social impacts have been
excluded from the mandatory public hearing process. The data collectors do not
pay respect to the indigenous knowledge of local people.
4. Quality of EIA:
• One of the biggest concerns with the environmental clearance process is related to
the quality of EIA report that are being carried out.
5. Lack of Credibility:
• There are so many cases of fraudulent EIA studies where erroneous data has been
used, same facts used for two totally different places etc.
• Often, and more so for strategic industries such as nuclear energy projects, the
EMPs are kept confidential for political and administrative reasons.
• Details regarding the effectiveness and implementation of mitigation measures are
often not provided.
• Emergency preparedness plans are not discussed in sufficient details and the
information not disseminated to the communities.
Conclusion

Thus, EIA is critical for the environmental decision-making process in India. There is a
need to strengthen the implementation of EIA, Independent EIA Authority is required
for fair and objective decisions. There is also a need for a centralized data bank for
storing information and the transparency must be maintained in dissemination of all
information related to projects from notification to clearance to local communities and
general public. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, our policy decisions
should be based on scientific analytical assessments keeping a synergy between people
and planet.

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 Q.3) Discuss the causes for GHG emissions from the agriculture and suggest some
measures to minimize the emissions.

Approach:
Introduction: Introduction about GHG emissions

Body: Causes for High GHG emissions from agriculture with supporting facts

Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the answer
by stating the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.

Answer

With India's carbon neutrality target set for 2070 at the CoP26 in Glasgow, the Union
Budget for 2022-23 highlights "climate action" and "energy transition" as one of the four
priorities for the Amrit Kaal.

However, Agriculture sector contributes 73% of the country’s methane emissions, the
Budget announcements have been rather limited. Agricultural and allied activities such as
rice cultivation, rearing of domestic animals and biomass burning account for 22%-46% of
the global methane concentration. In this regard, let us decode the causes of high GHG
emissions from agriculture below:

1. Role of subsidies:
• The damage is largely a result of the various kinds of subsidies — on urea, canal
irrigation and power for irrigation. The Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and
procurement policies concentrated on a few states and largely on two crops, rice,
and wheat has led to their overproduction.
• As of 1 January 2022, the stocks of wheat and rice in the country’s central pool
were four times higher than the buffer stocking requirement.
• Despite the record distribution of rice in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and
exports in 2020-21, the rice stocks with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are
seven times the buffer norms for rice.
• This data not only reflects inefficient use of scarce capital, but also the large
amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) embedded in these stocks.
2. Role of livestock and fertilizers:
• Agricultural emissions in India are primarily from the livestock sector (54.6%) and

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 the use of nitrogenous fertilisers (19%).
• Agricultural soils are the largest single source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.
• N2O emissions from use of nitrogen-fertiliser increased by ~358% during 1980-81
to 2014-15.
3. Monoculture practices:
• Rice cultivation is the third highest source (17.5%) of GHG emissions in Indian
agriculture after enteric fermentation (54.6%) and fertiliser use (19%).
• Paddy fields are anthropogenic sources of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) and
methane (CH4), which have been reckoned as 273 and 80-83 times more
powerful than CO2 in driving temperature increase in 20 years’ (as per IPCC AR6,
2021).
• The amount of CH4 emitted from paddy fields of India is 3.396 tera-gram (1 tera-
gram = 109 kilograms) per year or 71.32 MMT CO2 equivalent.

What can be done to address the issue?

1. Reward farmers through carbon credit:

• A carbon policy for agriculture must aim not only to reduce its emissions but also
reward farmers through carbon credits which should be globally tradable.
2. Focus on livestock:
• With the world’s largest livestock population (537 million), India needs better
feeding practices with smaller numbers of cattle by raising their productivity.
3. Switch areas from rice to maize:
• While direct-seeded rice and alternative wet and dry practices can reduce the
carbon footprint in rice fields, the real solution lies in switching areas from rice to
maize or other less water-guzzling crops.
4. Efficient fertiliser use:
• Agricultural soils are the largest single source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in
the national inventory. Nitrous oxide emissions from use of nitrogen-fertiliser
increased by approximately 358 per cent during 1980-81 to 2014-15. An
alternative for better and efficient fertiliser use would be to promote fertigation
and subsidise soluble fertilisers.
5. Incentives and subsidies:
• The government should incentivise and give subsidies on drips for fertigation,
switching away from rice to corn or less water-intensive crops, and promoting
soluble fertilisers at the same rate of subsidy as granular urea.

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 Conclusion:

Keeping in mind the damages already done to the environment are irreversible, there is a
need for a drastic and immediate cut in carbon emissions. India being an agriculture-
dependent economy, can neither abandon the practice nor undermine the damages that
are being caused by it. However, Carbon policy for agriculture in India would help it meet
the goals in reducing emissions while making agriculture climate-resilient. By enhancing
the knowledge and skills of our farmers, agrarian countries can achieve greater production
without increasing the environmental footprint of agriculture.

Q.4) What are wetlands? Enumerate the major threats to India's wetlands?

Approach:
Introduction: Define wetlands
Body: enumerate the major threats to India’s wetlands with supporting facts
Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the
answer by highlighting the need for conserving wetlands

Answer

Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the
associated plant and animal life. They occur where the water table is at or near the surface
of the land, or where the land is covered by water.

As of February, 2022, India has a network of 49 Ramsar sites covering an area of 10,93,636
hectares, the highest in South Asia. India has nearly 4.6% of its land as wetlands, covering
an area of 15.26 million hectares. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under
strict guidelines of the convention. Given the importance of wetlands, it has become
important for us to look into various issues involved in wetland conservation and suggest
measures to protect them.

1. Urbanization:
• Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing developmental pressure for
residential, industrial and commercial facilities. Urban wetlands are essential for
preserving public water supplies.

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 2. Agriculture:
• Vast stretches of wetlands have been converted to paddy fields. Construction of a
large number of reservoirs, canals and dams to provide for irrigation significantly
altered the hydrology of the associated wetlands.
3. Pollution:
• Wetlands act as natural water filters. However, they can only clean up the fertilizers
and pesticides from agricultural runoff but not mercury from industrial sources and
other types of pollution.
• There is growing concern about the effect of industrial pollution on drinking water
supplies and the biological diversity of wetlands.
4. Climate Change:
• Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of storms,
droughts, and floods; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration; and sea
level rise could also affect wetlands.
5. Dredging:
• The removal of material from a wetland or river bed. Dredging of streams lowers
the surrounding water table and dries up adjacent wetlands. Water is drained from
wetlands by cutting ditches into the ground which collect and transport water out
of the wetland. This lowers the water table and dries out the wetland.
6. Invasive Alien Species:
• Indian wetlands are threatened by exotic introduced plant species such as water
hyacinth and salvinia. They clog waterways and compete with native vegetation.

Way forward:

Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining many natural cycles and supporting a wide range
of biodiversity. They serve as a natural sponge against flooding and drought, protect our
coastlines and help fight climate change. To counter unplanned urbanization and a growing
population, management of wetlands has to be an integrated approach in terms of
planning, execution and monitoring. Effective collaborations among academicians and
professionals, including ecologists, watershed management specialists, planners and
decision-makers for the overall management of wetlands. The dynamic nature of wetlands
necessitates the widespread and consistent use of satellite-based remote sensors and low-
cost, affordable GIS tools for effective management and monitoring.

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 Q.5) What do you understand by sustainable agriculture? In the face of climate change,
what steps need to be taken to promote sustainable agriculture?

Approach:
Introduction: Define sustainable agriculture & its importance with respect to climate
change.
Body: Steps to be taken to promote sustainable agriculture
Conclusion: Synthesis of points written with supporting statements and conclude the
answer with a lasting impression.

Answer

The concept of sustainable agriculture has gained prominence since the publication of the
Brundtland Report in 1987. Sustainable Agriculture involves the processes that would
enable the stakeholders to meet the current and long-term societal needs for food, fiber
and other resources while maximizing benefits through the conservation of natural
resources and maintenance of ecosystem functions.
As per the data provided by International Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture
(CRIDA), climate change has about 4-9 per cent impact on agricultural yield each year. As
agriculture contributes 15 per cent to India’s GDP, climate change presumably causes about
1.5 per cent loss in GDP which in long run affects the crop productivity and food security.
In this regard, let’s discuss some of the steps to be taken to promote sustainable
agricultural practices to combat climate change and to ensure conservation of natural
resources.

1. Crop Diversification: Adoption of crop diversification helps in conservation of natural

resources like introduction of legume in rice-wheat cropping system, which has the
ability to fix atmospheric Nitrogen to help sustain soil fertility. Also, under sudden
adverse weather conditions like erratic rainfall, drought, hail, incidence of insect and
pest disease, crop diversification through mixed cropping may be useful.
2. Use of Biopesticides: Biopesticides are biologically based agents used for the control of
plant pests. They can be living organisms (nematodes or micro-organisms) or naturally
occurring substances, such as plant extracts or insect pheromones. Reintroducing these
microbes to plants and soil helps in soil conservation and reduces the effects of
chemical fertilizers on soil, which is also a major contributor to GHGs. E.g., About 19%

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 of agricultural emissions in India are from the use of nitrogenous fertilizers.
3. Agro-ecological approaches: Application of ecological principles to agroecosystems
can help in developing novel management approaches and techniques in agriculture
systems. Adapting eco -friendly practices like organic farming, Zero Budget Natural
Farming (ZBNF), water-shed management, conservation agricultural practices,
mulching, cover crops, no-till farming, precision agriculture, in-situ crop harvest residue
management and use of renewable energy can help in sustainable agricultural
systems.
4. Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA): The LEISA concept seeks to
optimize the use of locally available resources by maximizing the complementary and
synergistic effects of different components of the farming systems. Yields are
maintained by using cultural practices, Integrated Pest Management, and on-farm
resources and management. E.g., Legume cover crops can supply the total nitrogen
requirements of pecan trees in place of chemical fertilizers.
5. Climate suitable production systems: Climate tolerance crops rather than input-
intensive farming in arid and semi-arid areas and promoting less water-intensive crops
like pulses and millets can help in better agricultural practices. E.g., Pokkali Rice in
Kerala which is a saline tolerant rice variety.
6. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): CSA is an integrated approach in managing
landscapes (cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries) that addresses the interlinked
challenges of food security and accelerating climate change. It aims to simultaneously
achieve three outcomes namely, increased productivity, enhanced resilience and
reduced emissions. CSA helps in transforming and reorienting agricultural production
systems and food value chains so that they support sustainable agricultural practices.
E.g., Agroforestry can help diversify existing farming systems and achieve medium to
long term sustainability.

Way forward:
Sustainability in agriculture is crucial because climate change is adversely affecting grain
quality, pest and disease incidence which in longer run may lead to reduced crop outcomes
and threaten food security.

In this regard, promoting sustainable agricultural practices like conservation agriculture,

climate smart agriculture, crop diversification, watershed management, ZBNF, organic
farming, precision farming and use of renewable energy can serve the intended purpose of
combating the effects of climate change, conservation of natural resources and
maintaining ecosystem functions.

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 It's time to ask ourselves – “Our food comes from agriculture. If this source is not pristine,
then what would be the end product?”.

Home Work Question

Q.1) What is carbon pricing? Mention some of the different types of carbon pricing
mechanisms. Examine how it can help India in achieving its climate commitments under
the Paris Agreement. (15 marks, 600 words)

Email – hello@edutap.co.in, M - 8146207241 20 | P a g e http://www.edutap.co.in