Tamil Nadu's Minister of Agriculture, MRK Panneerselvam, has announced the creation of unique "climate smart villages" as a major step toward addressing the problems that climate change is posing to the farming industry. These villages will serve as demonstration centers for climate change mitigation technologies, benefiting farmers and stakeholders across the state.
Addressing Climate Change Challenges
Presenting the farm budget in the assembly, Minister Panneerselvam highlighted the pressing need to address climate change's potential impacts on biodiversity, crop yields, and food security in the coming years. With rising temperatures and uneven rainfall patterns disrupting traditional growing seasons, the agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges. These challenges not only jeopardize individual farmers livelihoods but also contribute to significant food price fluctuations affecting millions nationwide.
To mitigate these challenges, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated a budget of Rs 1.48 crore to establish climate-smart villages. These villages will showcase innovative technologies and practices aimed at helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and safeguard their crops.
Soil Health Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of healthy soil for agricultural productivity, the government announced research on soil microbiome engineering. This initiative aims to enhance soil health by improving microbial communities, leading to increased soil carbon and nutrient availability. A budget of Rs 1.39 crore has been allocated for this crucial project.
Additionally, the government plans to establish 100 'Uzhavar Angadis' (farmer outlets) to bridge the gap between farmers and urban consumers. Modeled after existing farmers' markets, these outlets will provide consumers with direct access to high-quality agricultural produce while ensuring fair prices for farmers.
The government's move to develop climate-smart villages draws inspiration from similar successful initiatives in other states. For instance, Karnataka has reintroduced its Krishi Bhagya scheme, focusing on improving climate resilience in dry-land farming. Haryana has seen success with its climate-smart villages, implementing practices like laser-land leveling and mobile-based agro-advisories, resulting in increased yields and higher incomes for farmers.
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to agriculture, collaborative efforts and innovative solutions like climate-smart villages are crucial for building resilience and ensuring food security in the face of uncertain environmental conditions.
