New Delhi: India is stepping up its efforts to protect farmers from the growing uncertainties of climate change. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, shared an extensive update on the government’s ongoing push for climate-resilient agriculture across the country.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is leading this effort through its flagship project, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). The project focuses on studying how climate change is affecting agriculture and assessing the risks and vulnerabilities at the district level. Using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocols, NICRA has mapped 651 agriculture-dominated districts and found that 310 of them are vulnerable to future climate risks. Of these, 109 districts fall under the ‘very high’ vulnerability category, while 201 are labelled ‘highly’ vulnerable.
To help farmers adapt, ICAR is promoting several climate-smart technologies tailored to local conditions. These include innovative methods like the system of rice intensification, direct seeding of rice, zero-till wheat sowing, and aerobic rice cultivation. Climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand drought, heat, and extreme weather are being introduced as well. In total, these demonstrations are being carried out through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in 448 Climate Resilient Villages across the country.
NICRA is also building village-level seed banks and community nurseries, ensuring timely access to seeds during weather shocks. Farmers in several NICRA villages have successfully tested drought- and flood-tolerant varieties of rice, wheat, soybean, mustard, chickpea, sorghum, gram, and even foxtail millet. Alongside this, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) continues to run awareness programmes that encourage farmers to adopt quality seeds and improved practices.
To reduce the impact of unpredictable weather, the government is strengthening early warning systems under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) now generates five-day weather forecasts at both district and block levels. These forecasts help 130 Agromet Field Units prepare advisories in English and regional languages, which are shared through multiple communication channels. Farmers can also access real-time weather updates through the ‘Meghdoot’ mobile app—available in English and 13 regional languages—and the IMD’s ‘Mausam’ app. Panchayat-level weather details are easily accessible through platforms like eGramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, Meri Panchayat and the dedicated Mausamgram portal.
On the financial protection front, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) remains a major safety net. The scheme covers crop losses from pre-sowing to post-harvest due to a wide range of natural disasters including floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorms and landslides. Since its launch in Kharif 2016, and up to 30 November 2025, the scheme has disbursed ₹1,90,374 crore in claims to approximately 2,301 lakh farmers.
The government is also promoting organic farming through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The scheme encourages cluster-based organic farming and provides end-to-end support, from production all the way to certification and marketing. Farmers receive ₹31,500 per hectare over three years, with ₹15,000 of this directly transferred for organic inputs. As of 31 October 2025, 16.90 lakh hectares have been brought under organic farming, benefitting 28.24 lakh farmers.
The Minister’s detailed update reflects a major national push to help farmers cope with climate pressures while promoting sustainable, long-term agricultural growth.