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Karunesh Kumar-BAJMC IVth Semester
Agriculture is greatly impacted by climate change, particularly in areas that are already vulnerable to severe weather. One such area where climate change has had an impact is the Indian desert. In this lesson, we’ll learn about the different kinds of crops cultivated in the desert and how the weather has affected them.
Due to its arid environment and scarce water supply, the Indian Dessert presents a difficult terrain for agriculture. Wheat, mustard, gramme, guar, and cumin are among the crops that are farmed here. These plants can withstand extreme temperatures as well as little rain.
Types of Crops grown in Indian Desert
Source: National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM)
Primarily as a result of global warming, the climate in the Indian Desert is changing. Droughts and a lack of water have historically been common in the area. More frequent heat waves, which can harm crops, have been caused by the rise in temperature. Additionally, the region is experiencing more severe and frequent droughts as a result of the shifting climatic pattern, which has an effect on agriculture. Farmers in the Indian Dessert must adjust to the changing environment, which presents a significant challenge.
Causes of climate change:
Despite the fact that there are numerous potential causes, the following are some of the most significant ones:-
1) Deforestation: This practise is frequently carried out to make room for industrial development or to expand areas for habitation. As a result of burning or cutting down trees, carbon dioxide that was previously absorbed from the atmosphere is released back into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
2) Industrial processes – Industrial processes are a significant cause of climate change. Energy produced by burning fossil fuels is essential for the manufacture of chemicals, steel, and cement, among other things. Methane and nitrous oxide, which are substantial contributors to climate change, are two additional greenhouse gases produced by industrial operations.
3) Natural factors– Climate change is also influenced by natural variables such as solar radiation variations and volcanic eruptions.
Annual rainfall in Desert
In general, the desert receives very little yearly precipitation, ranging from 4 inches or less in the west to 20 inches or more in the east. Between years, the amount varies significantly. The southern monsoon season brings over 90% of the annual rainfall. The hottest months of the year are May to June, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, and the coldest months are December to February, with lows of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Average rainfall in centimetres in Indian Desert
Source: Indian Meteorological Department
Impact due to climate change
- Crops are more difficult to cultivate in the Dessert due to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.
- There is a shortage of water and more frequent droughts, which are causing agricultural failures.
- Dust storms and flash floods cause infrastructure damage as well as crop harm.
- The seasonal cycles that govern agricultural growth might be thrown off by time zone changes.
- There is an increase in desertification, a form of land deterioration that converts productive land into deserts.
- This is a natural process where soil is transported from one location to another by natural forces including wind, water, and other forces. reduction in soil quality and loss of fertile topsoil, which lower crop production.
Source: Insights on India
The reasons itself is a solution. So we as a citizen must work upon it to make our living planet beautiful and sustainable.
