ESPAR

Enabling Stakeholder Participation and Applied Research in Policy Comprehension to Mainstream Climate Resilient Agro-farming Practices in National Climate Agenda

PREVAILING SITUATION IN INDIA

Indian coastal agriculture is at high risk from increasing climate change, including erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of floods. These climate challenges threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, necessitating urgent shifts towards climate-resilient farming practices to maintain food security and economic stability. Currently, India's climate-resilient efforts with respect to coastal agriculture are focused on implementing salt-resistant crops, water-efficient practices, and integrated farming systems. However, widespread adoption remains limited, and scaling up these practices is critical to addressing climate impacts across diverse agro-ecological regions.

INDIAN SUNDARBAN

The Indian Sundarban, the selected study area in India, faces severe climate threats, including rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and intensified cyclones, endangering traditional agriculture and local food security. Developing climate-resilient agriculture is critical here to safeguard livelihoods and adapt to the region's unique environmental challenges. Presently, climate-resilient practices in the Indian Sundarban are limited, with scattered initiatives like salt-tolerant crop trials and adaptive water management systems. However, broader adoption and support are essential to build resilience against frequent climate impacts and sustain the region’s agricultural productivity.