J&K LG Flags Urgent Climate Threat To Agriculture

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

• Credits Record 357 MT Agri Output To Policies Under PM Modi

• Urge Shift To Bold, Science-led Farm Transformation

Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday urged scientists, innovators and policymakers to move beyond incremental changes and adopt a bold, science-led approach to transform India's agro-ecosystems in the face of intensifying climate threats.

Addressing a national summit on sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture at SKUAST Jammu, Sinha said the urgency of the climate crisis leaves no room for delay, warning that its impact now extends far beyond farms to threaten the broader ecosystem dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.

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“Our farms are the bedrock of civilization, the backbone of economies, and the promise of tomorrow,” he said, stressing that every policy and intervention must recognise the centrality of farmers who have sustained humanity through centuries of upheaval.

Calling for a decisive shift in approach, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need to promote climate-resilient crops and bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level application. He asked researchers to prioritise the development of climate-adapted crop varieties and ensure that scientific innovations reach farmers in time.

Sinha said India has made significant strides in the agriculture sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing record production figures and policy interventions aimed at boosting productivity.

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According to him, the country's agricultural output reached 357 million tonnes in 2024–25, an increase of 25 million tonnes over the previous year, while horticulture production stood at 362 million tonnes, driven in part by diversification into high-value crops.

He highlighted key initiatives, including the nationwide soil testing programme that has led to the distribution of 25 crore Soil Health Cards to farmers. He also noted that the limit for agricultural credit has been enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, alongside a Rs 100 crore allocation for promoting high-productivity seeds under a national mission.

The Lieutenant Governor further pointed to a sharp increase in procurement of pulses and oilseeds at minimum support price (MSP), stating that pulses procurement has risen by 7,350 percent and oilseeds by 1,500 percent since 2013-14.

Despite these gains, Sinha cautioned that climate change is emerging as a major disruptor, with extreme weather events reported across several states over the past year.

“The moment has come to move beyond minor adjustments and embrace bold, science-led, farmer-focused transformation,” he said, reiterating the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to build resilience and secure the future of agriculture.

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