Climate-Resilient Farming: 5 Ways Indian Farmers Can Prepare for Extreme Weather

Climate change is making farming harder to predict. Heatwaves, irregular rainfall, dry spells and sudden heavy rain can affect crop growth, water availability and farm income. Indian farmers are increasingly being encouraged to combine improved varieties, better soil management, water conservation and crop diversification to reduce these risks.

The scale of the challenge is significant. ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture assessment found 310 of 651 agricultural districts vulnerable to climate change. Of these, 109 were classified as very highly vulnerable and 201 as highly vulnerable. District-level contingency plans have also been prepared.

Farmers cannot control rainfall or temperature, but they can reduce their exposure to some weather risks. The most useful approach is usually a combination of practices rather than depending on one technology or crop variety.

1. Choose Crops and Varieties for Local Climate Risks

Crop selection is becoming more important as weather patterns change. Farmers facing repeated dry spells can consider crops and varieties suited to lower water availability, while areas exposed to flooding may need varieties and cropping systems that can tolerate temporary waterlogging.

ICAR reported that 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties were released under the National Agricultural Research System between 2014 and 2025. These varieties are designed to address different stresses, including drought, heat, flooding and other climate-related risks.

Farmers should not select a variety only because it is described as climate-resilient. Performance depends on location, soil, irrigation, sowing time and local weather. Farmers should consult KVKs, agriculture departments or local agricultural universities before replacing a familiar variety.

2. Save Water Before a Dry Spell Arrives

Water management can determine whether a crop survives a prolonged dry period. Drip irrigation, mulching, farm ponds, rainwater harvesting and irrigation scheduling can help farmers use available water more carefully.

Micro-irrigation is already a major part of India’s water-saving strategy. According to the government, about 109 lakh hectares had been covered under the Per Drop More Crop programme by 2025, with ₹26,325 crore released as central assistance.

Farmers do not always need expensive infrastructure. Irrigation based on crop stage and soil moisture can prevent unnecessary watering. Maintaining field bunds and improving rainwater infiltration can also help conserve water during rainfall events and make moisture available for crops later.

3. Protect Soil From Heat and Heavy Rain

Healthy soil can provide farmers with a buffer during weather stress. Organic matter, crop residues, green manures and balanced fertilisation can improve soil structure and help maintain moisture.

ICAR recommends climate-resilient agriculture practices that include targeted nutrient management, conservation agriculture, crop diversification and water-efficient farming. These measures can also reduce soil erosion and support better use of farm resources.

Farmers should avoid treating soil fertility only as a question of adding more fertiliser. Soil testing can identify nutrient requirements and prevent unnecessary applications. Maintaining organic matter can also support water retention and soil structure over time.

4. Diversify Instead of Depending on One Crop

A farm that depends entirely on one crop can face large losses when a particular weather event damages that crop. Diversification can spread this risk across different crops, seasons or farm enterprises.

Crop diversification can include pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit, fodder or suitable livestock activities, depending on the farm’s resources. ICAR has recently stressed crop and enterprise diversification alongside resource-based crop planning and agroecological approaches.

Diversification should still be based on markets and available resources. Farmers need to consider labour, irrigation, storage, market access and expected returns before adding another enterprise. Growing more crops without a market plan can create a different financial problem.

5. Follow Local Weather and Contingency Advice

Weather information becomes most useful when farmers act on it before a damaging event. Changes in sowing dates, irrigation, fertiliser application or harvesting can sometimes reduce losses when forecasts indicate unusual weather.

ICAR’s climate-resilience programme uses district-level contingency plans that recommend location-specific crops, varieties and management practices for weather-related disruptions. These plans are intended to help state agriculture departments respond to drought, floods and other weather problems.

Farmers can also stay connected with their KVK and local agriculture department during periods of weather uncertainty. Advice should be based on the crop’s growth stage and local forecast rather than on general social-media messages.

What Should Farmers Do First?

Climate-resilient farming does not mean completely changing a farm in one season. Farmers can start with practical measures such as soil testing, selecting suitable varieties, improving water management and keeping an alternative crop plan for difficult weather conditions.

The right combination depends on the location. A rainfed farmer in a drought-prone area may prioritise moisture conservation, while a farmer in a flood-prone region may need drainage and short-duration varieties. KVKs and agriculture departments can help farmers match practices with local risks.

Climate change is already affecting the conditions under which Indian farmers work. The most practical response is to reduce dependence on a single crop, a single water source or a single weather outcome. Better varieties, healthier soils, careful water use and diversification can make farms more prepared for uncertain seasons.