Can Climate-Resilient Farming Plans Help Farmers Prepare for Extreme Weather?

Indian farmers are facing more uncertainty from changing rainfall, heat, droughts and other weather stresses. A new phase of ICAR’s climate-resilience programme is focusing on location-specific action plans, aiming to help farmers prepare for local risks instead of relying on one farming strategy across different regions.

The work is being developed under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture-Technology Demonstration Component, or NICRA-TDC. ICAR-CRIDA held a three-day meeting in Hyderabad from October 6 to 8 to review lessons from the past five years and prepare plans for the programme’s next phase.

Climate risks do not affect every farming region in the same way. One district may face prolonged dry periods, while another struggles with floods or irregular rainfall. ICAR is therefore pushing for action plans that consider local weather, soil, water resources, cropping patterns and farming systems before recommending technologies.

The programme works through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or KVKs, which can connect scientific recommendations with field conditions. ICAR officials said the next phase will focus on location-specific farming-system interventions, digital monitoring and sustainable climate-resilience measures at the village level.

For farmers, this approach can make contingency planning more practical. Instead of waiting for a drought or heavy rainfall event, farmers can prepare alternative crops, adjust sowing dates, conserve water and maintain suitable farm resources before the weather problem becomes severe.

What Can Farmers Do Before Weather Risks Rise?

Crop selection is one of the first decisions. Farmers can choose crops and varieties suited to local rainfall, temperature and soil conditions. Where water availability is uncertain, shifting part of the farm towards less water-intensive crops can reduce exposure to irrigation shortages.

Changing sowing dates can also help farmers avoid periods when extreme heat or rainfall is more likely. Such decisions need local weather information and crop-specific advice. KVK scientists and agriculture departments can help farmers match planting decisions with local forecasts and seasonal conditions.

Water conservation remains another important measure. Farm ponds, rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation and soil-moisture conservation can help farmers manage dry periods. Keeping some stored water available can also protect livestock and provide limited irrigation when rainfall becomes unreliable.

Soil management can strengthen the farm’s ability to handle weather stress. Crop residues, compost, farmyard manure and suitable cover crops can help maintain soil structure and organic matter. Farmers should combine these practices with soil testing and balanced nutrient application rather than applying inputs without checking field requirements.

Farmers can also reduce climate risk by avoiding excessive dependence on one crop or one income source. Integrated farming systems can combine crops with livestock, horticulture, fisheries or other enterprises. If one activity suffers from extreme weather, another may continue generating food or income.

ICAR has been encouraging such approaches as part of climate-resilient farming. At a recent Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme in Bihar, scientists highlighted integrated farming models that combine crops, horticulture, livestock and fisheries according to local conditions.

Crop diversification can also improve resource management. Pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and other crops have different water, nutrient and temperature requirements. Farmers can select combinations that fit their local resources while maintaining market opportunities.

The current Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 campaign is also promoting crop diversification, efficient use of rice fallows, water conservation, integrated farming systems and climate-resilient practices. The nationwide campaign runs from October 22 to November 30.

Technology Needs To Reach The Field

Climate-resilience plans are useful only when farmers can access and understand the recommended practices. ICAR’s NICRA-TDC meeting stressed the need to transfer proven technologies from research centres to farmers’ fields and assess their performance under real conditions.

Local demonstrations can help farmers compare different crop varieties, irrigation methods or soil practices before investing their own money. Field-level evidence is especially useful for small farmers, who may have limited resources to experiment with unfamiliar technologies.

Weather information can also support day-to-day decisions. Farmers can use forecasts to plan irrigation, spraying, harvesting and other operations. When combined with local knowledge and advice from agricultural extension workers, weather information can reduce avoidable losses during sudden weather changes.

ICAR’s next phase of NICRA-TDC is expected to focus more strongly on location-specific action plans, village-level resilience and digital monitoring. The aim is to move beyond general climate advice and identify measures that fit the conditions faced by farmers in particular areas.

For farmers, climate resilience does not require one major change. It can begin with better crop planning, improved soil management, water conservation, diversified income and timely weather information. These measures can reduce exposure to climate risks while helping farmers manage production costs.

As weather patterns become harder to predict, preparing before a crisis becomes increasingly important. A farm designed around its local soil, water and climate conditions can have more options when rainfall fails, temperatures rise or extreme weather disrupts the growing season.