Erratic weather patterns are wreaking havoc on livelihoods across India, with marginal farmers bearing the brunt of climate change’s devastating effects. A recent survey conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) and Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by these farmers.
The survey, conducted in April, involved 6,615 respondents across 21 states and union territories. A staggering 80% of marginal farmers, those owning less than one hectare of agricultural land, reported their villages had been affected by extreme weather events in the past five years. Drought emerged as the most prevalent weather crisis, affecting 41% of respondents, followed by excessive or non-seasonal rains (33%), floods (18%), and cyclones (13%). These events significantly disrupt agricultural practices and threaten crop yields.
The survey revealed a direct correlation between extreme weather events and crop losses. Prolonged winters had the most severe impact, with 54% of affected farmers reporting losing half or more of their standing crops. Rain-related events caused crop losses for over 47.7% of farmers. While prolonged summers and atypical monsoon patterns had less adverse impact, over 40% reported either no crop loss or minimal damage.
The impact of climate change on agriculture is undeniable, with global reports indicating a potential loss of up to 40% in crop production by 2100. This poses a grave threat to food security. The survey showed widespread crop losses across kharif, rabi, and zaid seasons, with nearly half of affected farmers reporting losses in kharif paddy, followed by rabi wheat (45%) and zaid maize.
The survey highlighted the financial burden imposed by crop losses. The median value of crop loss was highest for cotton (₹27,200), followed by tur dal (₹12,100). Paddy during the kharif cycle recorded a median loss of ₹8,400, while rabi wheat losses averaged ₹9,200. This underscores the significant financial strain on marginal farmers, who rely heavily on these crops for their livelihoods.
Faced with these challenges, farmers are adapting to changing conditions. The survey found that 83% of marginal farmers in villages affected by severe weather events in the past five years had modified their livelihood patterns. This is in stark contrast to the 61% of farmers in unaffected villages who reported similar changes, highlighting the influence of climate change in prompting income diversification.
Among the farmers who had adapted their livelihoods, 42% reported increased engagement in part-time occupations, 37% relied more heavily on animal husbandry or livestock, 32% sought employment opportunities outside their villages, and 21% sought work under the government’s rural employment scheme. These shifts, primarily attributed to extreme weather events, demonstrate the desperation faced by farmers as they struggle to maintain their livelihoods.
Despite the urgent need for climate-resilient farming practices, the survey revealed a worrying lack of awareness. Close to a third (31%) of respondents affected by extreme weather events had not adopted any such practices. While 72% of marginal farmers reported accessing agriculture-related technical advice, a significant portion faced barriers in implementing this knowledge. Financial constraints, limited availability of inputs, lack of follow-up technical support, and irrelevant advisories posed significant challenges.
This highlights a crucial gap in climate adaptation strategies. Despite the availability of climate-adaptive farming options, their dissemination and implementation support remain inadequate. As the government enters its third consecutive term, marginal farmers eagerly anticipate improved agricultural reforms that address these gaps, particularly for those with limited resources.
