Horticulture sector under threat amid climate change

 

 

New Delhi: Climate change has created havoc for the horticulture and floriculture sector. Farmers of both sectors are facing all kinds of hardships. Several unusual happenings are taking place, such as increasing temperatures, untimely rainfall, and extreme heat, especially in hilly areas have created numerous issues for the farming community on how to grow healthy crops in bulk quantities. Excess heat affects plants and flowers alike, reducing photosynthesis and spoiling crop production.

 

Currently, extreme weather such as storms, heat waves, and floods is becoming gradually common, ruining both crop productivity and soil. Climate change has changed the timing of fruit and flower yields. Flowers are coming early or late in some fruits, which is dangerous for the crops. Pests and plant diseases are increasing, and the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables is declining, making them less healthy.

Farmers and scientists are turning to several adaptation strategies to address such challenges. New crop varieties are being developed by them so that they can survive in both conditions—heat and drought. Drip irrigation is being promoted for saving water. Covering crops and mulching will protect soil and keep it healthy.

Farmers are also planning to change the planting times due to absurd weather, using modern techniques to check crop health and soil conditions. They are adopting sustainable practices, like reducing the use of fertilizer, saving energy, and promoting organic farming, because they will help in fighting climate change. Such methods can protect farmers' crops; otherwise, they don’t have any options.