In the arid village of Rayanpet in southern India, farmers like P. Ravinder Reddy have long relied on predictable monsoon rains to cultivate their rice fields. “We used to know when it would rain and for how long, and we sowed our seeds accordingly,” Reddy recalls. “Now it’s so unpredictable, and many times the seeds don’t sprout either because there’s too much rain or it’s completely dry.”
The warming climate and erratic weather patterns are not just making life difficult for Reddy and his fellow villagers—they’re also threatening thousands of acres of rice crops across the region. Recognizing this challenge, agricultural researchers in India have been working tirelessly to engineer rice seeds that can better withstand these environmental extremes.
For the past five years, Reddy has been experimenting with these new seed varieties. “They’re giving better yields with less water and are more disease-resistant,” he notes. “I’ve planted them across a quarter of my 25-acre field. There’s still demand for older varieties, but I think in a few years, we will use only these tougher seeds.”
India, one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of wheat and rice, is at the forefront of efforts to develop climate-resilient crops. Research organizations are focusing on seeds that increase yields, tolerate drought, and resist plant diseases—a critical endeavor as climate change leads to more extreme and unpredictable weather.
According to a United Nations report released earlier this year, over 700 million people faced hunger in 2022, and more than a third of the global population couldn’t afford a healthy diet. This amplifies the urgency for resilient seeds that can reliably produce food. Beyond India, initiatives supported by governments and private entities are developing climate-resilient crops in Africa, Central America, and other parts of Asia.
“As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, it’s essential for India to innovate,” says Dr. Anil Sharma, a scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. “Developing and adopting these resilient seeds ensures we can feed our population and maintain our role in global food exports.”
The shift towards climate-resilient agriculture not only promises food security but also offers hope to farmers grappling with the realities of a changing environment. As Reddy reflects, “The climate is changing, but with these new seeds, we can adapt and continue to grow our crops.”
Reference(s):
In India, warming climate pressures scientists to create tougher seeds
cgtn.com
