Due to climate change, India is expected to see a 6-10% decrease in rice and wheat production, affecting the availability of affordable food for millions. Senior officials stated that another impact of climate change is that seawater near the coast is warming, forcing fish to move towards colder deep-sea waters. This has been affecting the fishing community as well.

India’s Wheat and Rice Production

India’s wheat production in the 2023-24 crop year reached 113.29 million tons, accounting for nearly 14% of global production, while the rice crop was over 137 million tons. Rice and wheat are staple foods for India’s 1.4 billion population, with 80% of people depending on subsidized food through various government schemes.

Impact of Climate Change

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrityunjay Mahapatra told PTI-Bhasha, “Climate change will lead to a 6-10% decline in wheat and rice yields, which will have a significant impact on the country’s farmers and food security.” He also stated that global warming is reducing the frequency and intensity of Western disturbances, which causes winter rains and snowfall in north-western India.

Expected Decline in Yields in the Future

According to the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), wheat yields in India are expected to decline by 6-25% by 2100. Meanwhile, rice yields are expected to decrease by 7% by 2050 and by 10% by 2080.

Half of India’s Population Dependent on Agriculture

Government data shows that nearly half of India’s population depends on agriculture, and more than 80% of farmers are small and marginal, owning less than two hectares of land.