Relevance:
UPSC GS Paper II: Judiciary, Governance, Centre-State Relations
Prelims Keywords: Ramsar Sites | Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve | NBWL | Wetlands Rules 2017 | Eco-Sensitive Zone
Mains Keywords: Wetland conservation | Judicial environmental governance | Mining regulation | Ecological character | Precautionary principle
Why in News?
The Supreme Court has clarified that its earlier direction requiring prior approval before mining within a 10-km radius of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve in Uttarakhand would apply, for the sake of parity, to wetland conservation reserves across the country. This clarification is significant because Ramsar sites and wetland conservation reserves do not have a clearly defined statutory mining buffer under existing wetland rules.
What Did the Supreme Court Clarify?
The Supreme Court clarified that the principle laid down in the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve case is not limited only to Uttarakhand.
The earlier direction required that no mining activity should be carried out within a 10-km radius of the Asan reserve unless prior permission is obtained from:
- the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, and/or
- the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The latest clarification means that similar safeguards may apply to other wetland conservation reserves across India. the Court also directed the NBWL Standing Committee or MoEFCC to determine whether the Asan wetland extends into Himachal Pradesh. If it extends into Himachal Pradesh, the 2024 directions would apply there. If not, mining proposals would be governed by the applicable statutory framework.
Background of the Asan Wetland Case
The Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve is located at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna rivers in Uttarakhand.
| Feature | Details |
| Wetland | Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve |
| Location | Uttarakhand |
| River Confluence | Asan and Yamuna rivers |
| Ramsar Status | Designated in 2020 |
| Ecological Importance | Migratory waterbirds and aquatic biodiversity |
In its interim order of February 14, 2024, the Supreme Court held that the wetland’s Ramsar status required higher scrutiny of activities that could affect its ecological character.
What are Ramsar Sites?
- Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance.
- They are designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
- India became a party to the Convention in 1982.
- Ramsar designation recognises the ecological importance of a wetland and requires the country to maintain its ecological character.
- India currently has 101 Ramsar sites, the highest among Asian countries.
- Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh became India’s 101st Ramsar site in August 2026.
Ramsar Sites in India – State-wise List 2026
| S.No. | Ramsar Site | State / UT |
| 1 | Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh |
| 2 | Deepor Beel | Assam |
| 3 | Kanwar (Kabar) Taal | Bihar |
| 4 | Nagi Bird Sanctuary | Bihar |
| 5 | Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Bihar |
| 6 | Nanda Lake | Goa |
| 7 | Khijadia WLS | Gujarat |
| 8 | Nalsarovar BS | Gujarat |
| 9 | Thol Lake | Gujarat |
| 10 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat |
| 11 | Bhindawas WLS | Haryana |
| 12 | Sultanpur NP | Haryana |
| 13 | Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh |
| 14 | Pong Dam Lake | Himachal Pradesh |
| 15 | Renuka Lake | Himachal Pradesh |
| 16 | Ranganathittu BS | Karnataka |
| 17 | Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | Karnataka |
| 18 | Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve | Karnataka |
| 19 | Aghanashini Estuary | Karnataka |
| 20 | Ashtamudi Wetland | Kerala |
| 21 | Sasthamkotta Lake | Kerala |
| 22 | Vembanad-Kol Wetland | Kerala |
| 23 | Bhoj Wetland | Madhya Pradesh |
| 24 | Sakhya Sagar | Madhya Pradesh |
| 25 | Sirpur Wetland | Madhya Pradesh |
| 26 | Yashwant Sagar | Madhya Pradesh |
| 27 | Tawa Reservoir | Madhya Pradesh |
| 28 | Lonar Lake | Maharashtra |
| 29 | Nandur Madhameshwar | Maharashtra |
| 30 | Thane Creek | Maharashtra |
| 31 | Loktak Lake | Manipur |
| 32 | Pala Wetland | Mizoram |
| 33 | Ansupa Lake | Odisha |
| 34 | Bhitarkanika Mangroves | Odisha |
| 35 | Chilika Lake | Odisha |
| 36 | Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha |
| 37 | Satkosia Gorge | Odisha |
| 38 | Tampara Lake | Odisha |
| 39 | Beas CnR | Punjab |
| 40 | Harike Wetland | Punjab |
| 41 | Kanjli Wetland | Punjab |
| 42 | Keshopur-Miani CmR | Punjab |
| 43 | Nangal WLS | Punjab |
| 44 | Ropar Wetland | Punjab |
| 45 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan |
| 46 | Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan |
| 47 | Chitrangudi BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 48 | Gulf of Mannar Marine BR | Tamil Nadu |
| 49 | Kanjirankulam BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 50 | Karikili BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 51 | Koonthankulam BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 52 | Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu |
| 53 | Pichavaram Mangrove | Tamil Nadu |
| 54 | Point Calimere WLS & BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 55 | Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu |
| 56 | Udhayamarthandapuram BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 57 | Vaduvur BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 58 | Vedanthangal BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 59 | Vellode BS | Tamil Nadu |
| 60 | Vembannur Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu |
| 61 | Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 62 | Longwood Shola Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu |
| 63 | Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 64 | Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 65 | Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura |
| 66 | Hokera Wetland | UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 67 | Hygam Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 68 | Shallbugh Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 69 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 70 | Wular Lake | UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 71 | Tso Kar | UT of Ladakh |
| 72 | Tsomoriri | UT of Ladakh |
| 73 | Bakhira WLS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 74 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh |
| 75 | Nawabganj BS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 76 | Parvati Arga BS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 77 | Saman BS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 78 | Samaspur BS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 79 | Sandi BS | Uttar Pradesh |
| 80 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | Uttar Pradesh |
| 81 | Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 82 | Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 83 | Asan Barrage | Uttarakhand |
| 84 | East Kolkata Wetlands | West Bengal |
| 85 | Sundarban Wetland | West Bengal |
| 86 | Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 87 | Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 88 | Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim |
| 89 | Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand |
| 90 | Khichan (Phalodi) | Rajasthan |
| 91 | Menar (Udaipur) | Rajasthan |
| 92 | Gokul Jalashay | Bihar |
| 93 | Udaipur Jheel | Bihar |
| 94 | Gogabeel Lake | Bihar |
| 95 | Siliserh Lake | Rajasthan |
| 96 | Kopra Jalashay | Chhattisgarh |
| 97 | Patna Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh |
| 98 | Chhari-Dhand | Kutch (Gujarat) |
| 99 | Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh |
| 100 | Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh |
| 101 | Glaw Lake | Arunachal Pradesh |
Do Ramsar Sites Have a Statutory Mining Buffer?
- A Ramsar designation does not automatically create a separate statutory protection regime under Indian law.
- Neither the Ramsar Convention nor the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 prescribe a fixed statutory buffer zone around Ramsar sites for mining.
- This means there is no general rule under the Wetlands Rules that mining is automatically prohibited within a specific distance from every Ramsar site.
- The Supreme Court’s direction is therefore important because it creates a judicial safeguard for mining activities near wetland conservation reserves.
Wetlands Rules: 2010 vs 2017
| Aspect | Wetlands Rules, 2010 | Wetlands Rules, 2017 |
| Regulation Model | More centralised and detailed | Decentralised through State Wetland Authorities |
| Prohibited Activities | Listed activities such as reclamation, new industries, dumping of solid waste and harmful activities | Removed explicit list of prohibited activities |
| Zone of Influence | Required prior approval for activities within the wetland’s zone of influence | Greater responsibility shifted to States |
| Environmental Scrutiny | EIA required for specified projects | Depends on applicable legal and State-level framework |
| Current Status | Replaced by 2017 Rules | Constitutional validity under challenge before Supreme Court |
Petitioners have argued that the 2017 framework weakens protections available under the 2010 Rules and excludes many artificial wetlands recognised under the Ramsar Convention.
Mining Restrictions Near Protected Areas
Mining restrictions near wetlands differ from restrictions near national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and forests.
1. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Mining inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Supreme Court has also held that mining is impermissible within one kilometre of every national park and wildlife sanctuary unless a larger Eco-Sensitive Zone has already been notified.
2. Eco-Sensitive Zones
If a larger ESZ has been notified around a protected area, the larger notified buffer prevails.
3. Forest Areas
Mining in forest areas requires prior approval of the Union government under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
4. Environmental Clearance
Mining projects generally require environmental clearance under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.
5. Wetland Conservation Reserves
In the case of wetland conservation reserves, the Supreme Court’s Asan direction requires prior approval before mining within a 10-km radius, but this operates as a judicial safeguard rather than a statutory buffer under the Wetlands Rules.
Significance of the Supreme Court Clarification
1. Strengthens Wetland Protection
The order gives additional protection to wetland conservation reserves where statutory buffer rules are unclear.
2. Applies Precautionary Principle
Wetlands are fragile ecosystems. Prior approval ensures that mining proposals are examined before ecological damage occurs.
3. Protects Ramsar Ecological Character
Ramsar sites are internationally recognised for ecological importance. Activities affecting their ecological character require stricter scrutiny.
4. Improves Regulatory Oversight
Requiring approval from NBWL or MoEFCC introduces higher-level environmental review.
5. Creates Parity Across States
The clarification prevents uneven protection where one wetland receives judicial safeguard while similar wetlands elsewhere remain exposed.
6. Addresses Gaps in Wetland Rules
Since the 2017 Rules do not prescribe a fixed mining buffer, the Court’s direction fills an important regulatory gap.
Challenges and Concerns
1. Legal Ambiguity
The direction applies to wetland conservation reserves, but Ramsar sites as a category still do not have a statutory buffer zone.
2. Federal Concerns
Wetland management under the 2017 Rules is largely decentralised through State Wetland Authorities. Judicial directions may require better Centre-State coordination.
3. Impact on Mining Projects
Mining proposals near wetland conservation reserves may now face additional scrutiny and delays.
4. Need for Clear Mapping
Authorities must clearly map wetland boundaries and zones of influence to avoid disputes.
5. Ecological Character Assessment
Scientific assessment is needed to determine how mining affects hydrology, bird habitats, aquatic biodiversity and sediment flow.
6. Enforcement Capacity
Legal safeguards are effective only when backed by monitoring, field inspections and compliance mechanisms.
Way Forward
1. Notify Clear Wetland Boundaries
All wetland conservation reserves and Ramsar sites should have scientifically demarcated boundaries.
2. Define Zones of Influence
Instead of relying only on fixed-distance rules, authorities should identify ecological zones based on hydrology, biodiversity and land-use patterns.
3. Strengthen State Wetland Authorities
State Wetland Authorities need technical capacity, funding and monitoring systems.
4. Improve Mining Scrutiny
Mining projects near wetlands should undergo cumulative impact assessment, not only project-wise clearance.
5. Harmonise Legal Frameworks
Wetland Rules, Wildlife Protection Act, EIA framework and forest laws should work together to avoid regulatory gaps.
6. Ensure Local Participation
Local communities, fisherfolk, farmers and bird experts should be involved in wetland conservation planning.
7. Strengthen Compliance Monitoring
Use satellite imagery, GIS mapping and field audits to monitor illegal mining and land-use change around wetlands.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s clarification on mining near wetland conservation reserves is an important step in strengthening wetland protection. It does not create a universal statutory buffer for all Ramsar sites, but it adds a judicial safeguard by requiring prior approval for mining within a 10-km radius of wetland conservation reserves. This is significant because India’s wetlands face pressure from mining, urbanisation, encroachment and pollution. The larger lesson is that wetland conservation needs clear legal standards, scientific mapping, strong State Wetland Authorities and accountable project clearances. Protecting wetlands is not only about biodiversity; it is also about water security, flood regulation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2019)
- Under the Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
- The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
- The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Ramsar Convention does not make it mandatory for the Government of India to protect and conserve all wetlands in the country under the Convention. It mainly provides an international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, especially wetlands designated as being of international importance.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were notified by the Government of India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that these Rules were framed based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
Statement 3 is correct.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also covered the drainage area or catchment region associated with a wetland, as determined by the competent authority. This is important because activities in the catchment area can directly affect the ecological condition of a wetland.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Ramsar sites and mining regulation in India:
- Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Ramsar designation automatically creates a statutory 10-km mining buffer under Indian law.
- The Supreme Court directed prior approval for mining within 10 km of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve.
- Mining inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, the Supreme Court required prior approval for mining within 10 km of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve, and mining inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Statement 2 is incorrect because Ramsar designation does not automatically create a statutory 10-km mining buffer under Indian law.
FAQs
1. What did the Supreme Court clarify?
It clarified that prior approval for mining within 10 km of wetland conservation reserves should apply across the country for parity.
2. Which wetland triggered the case?
The Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve in Uttarakhand.
3. Where is Asan Wetland located?
It lies at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna rivers in Uttarakhand.
4. When was Asan Wetland designated a Ramsar site?
It was designated a Ramsar site in 2020.
5. Do Ramsar sites automatically have a 10-km statutory mining buffer?
No. Ramsar designation does not automatically create a statutory mining buffer under Indian law.
6. Which authorities must approve mining near wetland conservation reserves as per the Court direction?
The NBWL Standing Committee and/or the MoEFCC.
Relevance:
UPSC GS Paper III: Agriculture, Climate Change, Food Security, Environment, Sustainable Development
Prelims Keywords: Prelims Keywords: Climate-Resilient Agriculture | Nature-Based Solutions | NICRA | Biochar | National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
Mains Keywords: Food security | Climate adaptation | Sustainable farming | Small farmers’ resilience | Low-carbon agriculture
Why in News?
As climate change intensifies through rising temperatures, erratic monsoons and frequent extreme weather events, Indian agriculture is facing increasing stress. Nature-based solutions and climate-resilient agriculture have emerged as important approaches to strengthen farm resilience, protect soil health, reduce emissions and ensure food and nutritional security.
Why Indian Agriculture is Climate-Vulnerable
Agriculture remains central to India’s economy and society. It supports the livelihoods of about 58% of India’s population, employs nearly 46.1% of the workforce, and contributes around 18% of Gross Value Added.
However, Indian agriculture is highly exposed to climate shocks due to structural factors.
| Indicator | Status |
| Average landholding size | 1.08 hectares |
| Small and marginal farmers | 89.4% |
| Rainfed agriculture | Around 60% |
| Food output from rainfed farming | Around 40% |
This makes India’s farm sector highly dependent on monsoon behaviour and local weather conditions.
Climate change affects agriculture by:
- disrupting sowing and harvesting cycles
- reducing crop yields
- increasing pest and disease pressure
- reducing fertiliser use efficiency
- lowering soil fertility
- worsening soil moisture loss
- affecting photosynthesis and plant growth
At the same time, agriculture itself contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, crop residue burning and deforestation. Therefore, Indian agriculture needs both adaptation and mitigation strategies.
What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture?
Climate-Resilient Agriculture refers to farming practices that help agricultural systems adapt to changing climatic conditions, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and maintain productivity.
It includes both adaptation and mitigation measures.
Major Practices
- selection of climate-adapted crop varieties
- adjustment of sowing windows
- use of short-duration or stress-tolerant crops
- improved planting methods
- agroforestry
- biochar application
- efficient use of fertilisers
- efficient use of pesticides and insecticides
- better water management
- better soil health management
- reduced tillage and conservation agriculture
Climate-resilient agriculture also depends on social resilience. Farmers, households and communities need access to knowledge, credit, technology, government schemes and extension services.
What are Nature-Based Solutions?
Nature-Based Solutions are sustainable practices that use natural processes to address climate, environmental and livelihood challenges.
In agriculture, nature-based solutions aim to:
- improve adaptation and food production
- mitigate climate change
- restore ecosystems and biodiversity
Examples of Nature-Based Solutions in Agriculture
- Regenerative agriculture
- Conservation agriculture
- Reduced tillage
- Zero tillage
- Agroforestry
- Biochar
- Improved soil and water management
Nature-based solutions are now part of the emission reduction plans of at least 102 countries under their Nationally Determined Contributions. Studies suggest that such solutions could deliver 37% of cost-effective climate mitigation needed to keep global temperature rise below 2°C by 2030.
Climate Change and Food Security
- Climate change poses a serious risk to global food systems. As population rises, estimates suggest the world will need 60% additional food by 2050.
- Developing countries are expected to face disproportionate impacts because their agriculture is more dependent on rainfall and natural resources.
For India, food security is closely linked with:
- monsoon stability
- soil health
- water availability
- small farmer resilience
- climate-resilient seeds
- sustainable farming systems
If farming systems fail to adapt, climate change can affect both farm income and national food security.
Biochar as a Nature-Based Solution
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, biochar is charred biomass produced by slow pyrolysis, where organic material such as crop residue or wood waste is heated at 300–500°C in the absence of oxygen.
India generates nearly 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually. If treated properly, this biomass can be converted into useful products such as organic fertiliser and bioenergy.
Benefits of Biochar
- improves soil fertility
- increases soil water retention
- improves nutrient use efficiency
- supports carbon sequestration
- reduces crop residue burning
- lowers particulate matter emissions
- helps mitigate climate change
Biochar provides a more sustainable alternative to open-field burning of crop residues. Research cited in the source notes that biochar could sequester an average of 376.11 megatonnes of CO₂-equivalent in Indian soils and potentially reduce 41–63% of emissions from agriculture and allied activities.
India’s Policy Response
India has launched several policies and initiatives to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
1. National Action Plan on Climate Change
The National Action Plan on Climate Change, launched in 2008, provides the broad framework for India’s climate policy.
2. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture was launched in 2014–15 under NAPCC.
It promotes:
- climate-resilient agriculture
- improved soil health
- efficient water use
- sustainable farming practices
3. Important Schemes Under Sustainable Agriculture
- Per Drop More Crop
- Rainfed Area Development
- Soil Health and Fertility Scheme
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
- Agroforestry
- National Bamboo Mission
4. National Agroforestry Policy
India became the first country to adopt a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014.
5. National Mission on Natural Farming
The National Mission on Natural Farming was launched in 2024 to promote sustainable and chemical-light farming systems.
6. National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture
The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture project was launched in 2011 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is implemented by ICAR.
NICRA’s vulnerability assessment of 651 agricultural districts identified:
| Category | Number of Districts |
| Vulnerable districts | 310 |
| Very highly vulnerable | 109 |
| Highly vulnerable | 201 |
District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been prepared for all 651 agricultural districts.
7. Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
Between 2014 and 2024, ICAR released 2,900 crop varieties, of which 2,661 are tolerant to one or more biotic or abiotic stresses.
These stresses include pests, diseases, water stress, temperature stress, humidity and soil-related stress.
Significance for India
1. Food and Nutritional Security
Climate-resilient agriculture can protect yields from climate shocks and help secure food availability for India’s large population.
2. Farmer Income Stability
Small and marginal farmers are highly vulnerable to crop losses. Climate-resilient practices can reduce risk and improve income stability.
3. Soil and Water Conservation
Practices like agroforestry, zero tillage, biochar and efficient irrigation improve soil health and water-use efficiency.
4. Climate Adaptation
Stress-tolerant varieties, contingency plans and improved water management help farmers adapt to changing rainfall and temperature patterns.
5. Emission Reduction
Biochar, reduced residue burning and sustainable farming practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
6. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration
Nature-based solutions help restore biodiversity, improve soil organisms and strengthen ecosystem services.
Challenges
1. Low Awareness
Many farmers are unaware of climate risks and climate-resilient technologies.
2. High Upfront Cost
New technologies such as biochar, water-smart systems and improved tools may require initial investment.
3. Limited Credit Access
Small and marginal farmers often lack access to affordable credit.
4. Input Quality Issues
Availability of quality seeds, biofertilisers, biopesticides and equipment remains uneven.
5. Extension Gaps
Farmers need hand-holding and local demonstrations to build confidence in new practices.
6. Regional Variation
Climate risks vary across districts, so one-size-fits-all solutions may not work.
Way Forward
1. Strengthen Farmer Awareness
Climate literacy must be promoted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farmer Producer Organisations and local extension networks.
2. Promote Localised Climate Planning
District Agriculture Contingency Plans should be updated regularly and linked with real-time weather advisories.
3. Support Small and Marginal Farmers
Financial support, subsidies and credit should target small farmers who face the greatest climate risk.
4. Scale Biochar and Residue Management
Biochar can reduce residue burning and improve soil carbon. It should be promoted through local biomass-based enterprises.
5. Improve Access to Stress-Tolerant Varieties
ICAR’s climate-resilient crop varieties must reach farmers through reliable seed systems.
6. Strengthen Water-Smart Agriculture
Micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, soil moisture conservation and watershed management must be expanded.
7. Promote Collaborative Governance
Farmers, research institutions, government departments, civil society and private innovators must work together.
Conclusion
Climate change has made Indian agriculture more uncertain, especially for small, marginal and rainfed farmers. Nature-based solutions and climate-resilient agriculture provide a sustainable pathway to protect food security, farmer incomes, soil health and environmental balance. India has taken important steps through NAPCC, NMSA, NICRA, agroforestry, natural farming and stress-tolerant crop varieties. However, the real challenge lies in adoption at the farm level. India must combine scientific innovation with farmer awareness, credit support, extension services and local climate planning. A climate-resilient farm sector is essential not only for agriculture but also for nutrition, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding climate-resilient agriculture and nature-based solutions in India:
- Climate-resilient agriculture aims to reduce vulnerability to climate-induced shocks.
- Biochar can improve soil fertility and help in carbon sequestration.
- NICRA is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
- Nature-based solutions are limited only to chemical fertiliser-based farming.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Climate-resilient agriculture reduces vulnerability to climate shocks, biochar improves soil fertility and supports carbon sequestration, and NICRA is implemented by ICAR.
Statement 4 is incorrect because nature-based solutions include practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, zero tillage and biochar, not only chemical fertiliser-based farming.
FAQs
1. What is climate-resilient agriculture?
It refers to farming practices that help agriculture adapt to climate change and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
2. What are nature-based solutions in agriculture?
They are practices that use natural processes to improve resilience, reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.
3. Give examples of nature-based solutions.
Agroforestry, conservation agriculture, zero tillage, regenerative agriculture and biochar.
4. What is biochar?
Biochar is charred biomass produced by heating organic material without oxygen.
5. Why is Indian agriculture vulnerable to climate change?
Because of small landholdings, dependence on monsoon, rainfed farming and limited farmer capacity.
6. What percentage of Indian agriculture is rainfed?
Around 60%.
7. What is NICRA?
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture, implemented by ICAR
