Climate change is emerging as a major challenge to India's agriculture, food security and nutrition, prompting Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra to call for stronger data-driven policies and region-specific adaptation measures. He highlighted the vulnerability of 310 agricultural districts across the country and stressed the importance of using reliable information to prepare for climate-related risks.
Mishra made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Environment for Development Network, hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. He participated in the event virtually and called for closer integration of scientific research, detailed data and evidence-based policymaking to address the growing impact of climate change.
According to assessments conducted under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture programme, 310 of the 651 agricultural districts assessed in India have been identified as vulnerable to climate change. Of these, 109 districts fall under the very highly vulnerable category, while 201 are classified as highly vulnerable. These findings underline the need for targeted policies that address the specific climate risks faced by different regions.
Climate change and agricultural challenges
Mishra pointed out that climate change should no longer be considered only an environmental issue. Its effects are closely connected to agricultural productivity, water availability, food prices, public health and people's livelihoods.
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can create difficulties for farmers, particularly in regions that depend heavily on seasonal rainfall. Droughts, floods, irregular monsoons and water shortages can affect crop production and increase uncertainty for farming communities.
He emphasised that a uniform policy approach may not be effective across all agricultural districts because climate risks and farming conditions differ from one region to another. Policymakers therefore need to develop local strategies based on the specific challenges faced by farmers and communities.
Food security must include nutrition
Mishra also stressed that food security should not be measured only by the quantity of food produced. People must have access to affordable, diverse and nutritious diets.
Climate-related disruptions can affect the availability and prices of several food items, including pulses, fruits, vegetables and milk. When these foods become less accessible or expensive, households may find it difficult to maintain a balanced diet.
He highlighted the need to connect agricultural policies with nutrition objectives. Ensuring sufficient production of staple crops remains important, but improving access to a wider range of nutritious foods is also necessary to strengthen food security.
Need for reliable district-level data
Highlighting the role of information in policymaking, Mishra said that collecting more data alone would not be sufficient. The information must be timely, reliable, comparable and useful for decision-making.
He called for greater use of district-level information relating to rainfall, water availability, soil conditions, crop performance and nutritional outcomes. Such information can help authorities identify vulnerable areas, understand emerging problems and plan suitable interventions.
Mishra also advocated combining different sources of information, including administrative records, household surveys, satellite imagery and geospatial data. He stressed the importance of common standards and appropriate safeguards while integrating these sources.
He further called for stronger analytical capabilities among state and district-level institutions. Local authorities and institutions need the ability to interpret available information and use it when implementing programmes, monitoring progress and allocating resources.
Climate-resilient farming and crop diversification
The vulnerability assessment conducted under the ICAR programme has also highlighted the importance of preparing agriculture for changing weather conditions. District-level contingency plans have been developed to recommend location-specific crops, varieties and farming practices to address weather-related challenges.
Mishra called for agricultural strategies that can reduce risks and support long-term resilience. Crop diversification is one of the approaches highlighted in discussions on strengthening farming systems. Moving beyond dependence on a limited number of crops towards pulses, oilseeds, millets and horticultural crops can support dietary diversity and help address different agricultural challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of improving storage, processing, transportation and market infrastructure. Better facilities across the food supply chain can help reduce losses and improve the availability of agricultural products.
Research partnerships and international cooperation
Mishra also emphasised the importance of cooperation between researchers, policymakers and institutions, particularly among countries in the Global South. Developing countries face several common challenges, including climate variability, pressure on natural resources, changing agricultural conditions and the need to improve nutrition.
He said research networks and international partnerships can support the exchange of information, policy experiences and effective approaches. Such cooperation can help institutions identify practical solutions suited to local conditions and strengthen their ability to respond to climate-related risks.
The Environment for Development Network meeting provided a platform to discuss how academic research can contribute to policy decisions and address real-world environmental and development challenges.
Mishra's remarks highlighted the need to treat climate resilience, agricultural development and nutrition as connected policy priorities. With 310 of the 651 assessed agricultural districts identified as vulnerable, the focus is on using reliable local data, strengthening research-based decisions and ensuring that farming communities can adapt to changing climate conditions.
