National innovations in climate resilient agriculture (NICRA): The reservoir of resilience enhancement

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges for the agricultural sector, particularly in India, due to its large population, reliance on natural resources, and inadequate coping mechanisms. India has already experienced a temperature rise of 0.60°C in the past century, leading to negative impacts on crop yields and food security. To address this challenge, a scheme called Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) has been introduced. NICRA aims to enhance the adaptability of Indian agriculture to climate change by creating and applying advanced technologies for production and the management of risks. The scheme focuses on strategic research, technology demonstration, capacity building, and sponsored research. Strategic research involves collaboration with 21 institutes to establish research infrastructure and address thematic areas. Technology demonstration involves presenting proven technologies in villages to help adapt agricultural and animal husbandry systems to the challenges posed by climate variability. The scheme's modules cover various aspects, including natural resource conservation, water management, crop production (drought-tolerant varieties, water-saving techniques), animal husbandry and fisheries management, and institutional interventions (seed and fodder banks, custom hiring centres, weather index-based insurance). Capacitybuilding initiatives train scientists in climate change research, while awareness programs target extension agents, policymakers, NGOs, and farmers. Expected outputs include the selection of climate-resilient crop genotypes and livestock breeds, demonstration of best practices in 100 vulnerable districts, strengthening of research infrastructure, and adequately trained scientific manpower. The ultimate goal of the scheme is to bolster the resilience of agricultural production in susceptible regions of India. The National Resource Management (NRM) Division of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) oversees the scheme's implementation, with the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) serving as the Lead Institute. In conclusion, the NICRA scheme is a vital government initiative aimed at strengthening the robustness of agriculture in India in the face of climate change. By focusing on research, technology demonstration, capacity building, and sponsored research, the program aims to address the challenges presented by changing climate patterns and ensure the enduring productivity of agriculture in vulnerable regions.