NIDM Workshop Charts Roadmap for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in India

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate-induced hazards, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, organized a high-level stakeholder workshop at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together leading policymakers, agricultural scientists, disaster management experts, and field practitioners to address India’s agricultural vulnerabilities and devise strategies for multi-hazard preparedness.

Inaugural Session: Setting the Tone

The workshop commenced with Shri Shiv Narayan Sidh, the workshop coordinator, setting the agenda and emphasizing the need for proactive, data-driven agricultural resilience planning.

Delivering the welcome address, Shri Arnab Dhaki, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture, underlined the collaborative spirit behind the workshop and stressed the need for inter-institutional cooperation.

Shri Madhup Vyas, Executive Director, NIDM, highlighted the urgency of embedding climate risk reduction strategies into agricultural policies, noting that disasters are no longer isolated events but recurring threats that demand integrated solutions.

Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, drew attention to the sector’s economic vulnerability, citing that over 68% of India’s cropped area is drought-prone. He emphasized the role of technology, satellite data, and predictive models in protecting farmer incomes.

Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & Head of Department, NDMA, stressed the importance of transitioning from a reactive approach to a proactive framework, particularly in managing emerging hazards such as cold waves and hailstorms, which are often under-addressed.

Technical Sessions: Key Recommendations

The workshop featured four focused technical sessions, each chaired by domain experts, leading to actionable recommendations:

1. Drought Preparedness (Chaired by Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD):

   • Update the Drought Manual 2020 to reflect new realities.

   • Incorporate remote sensing technologies, AI-based models, and big data analytics for accurate drought monitoring.

   • Improve drought forecasting to provide farmers with timely advisories and adaptive strategies.

2. Pest Attacks (Chaired by Dr. S. Bandyopadhyay, Director, MNCFC):

   • Establish a national pest surveillance and early warning system.

   • Use real-time advisories and digital platforms to alert farmers about pest outbreaks.

   • Promote bio-control methods alongside conventional responses to reduce crop loss.

3. Cold Wave Preparedness (Chaired by Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) & DG, ICAR):

   • Develop state-level cold wave action plans.

   • Encourage adoption of cold-tolerant crop varieties and farming practices.

   • Expand research on climate-resilient crop breeding.

4. Hailstorm Risk Reduction (Chaired by Dr. A. K. Nayak, DDG NRM, ICAR):

   • Shift from generic forecasts to impact-based hailstorm forecasts.

   • Strengthen insurance coverage for farmers in hailstorm-prone areas.

   • Promote protective infrastructure like hail nets and low-cost shelters.

Valedictory Session: Commitment to Action

In his valedictory address, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient agricultural sector. He assured that the workshop’s recommendations would form part of a comprehensive agricultural disaster preparedness framework.

Shri Krishna S. Vatsa, Member, NDMA, emphasized that the success of such initiatives depends on empowering farmers with timely information and resources. He stressed the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to bridge the last-mile gap in preparedness.

Towards a Resilient Agricultural Future

The workshop provided a holistic platform for dialogue, combining insights from disaster management, meteorology, agriculture, and policy. Its outcomes are expected to:

• Improve farmer resilience against extreme weather events.

• Strengthen data-driven policy integration across ministries.

• Promote climate-smart agriculture to reduce risks.

• Enhance insurance, credit, and advisory systems for vulnerable farmers.

By bringing together multiple stakeholders, the workshop laid a strong foundation for integrated agricultural disaster risk management. As climate change continues to intensify, these measures aim to ensure that India’s farmers are better prepared, better informed, and better protected.