What the government can do to help farmers overcome the effects of climate change

Rajesh Mohan Ghadge, a small-scale wheat farmer from Phaltan, Satara in Maharashtra, is at the forefront of a growing crisis that threatens his livelihood and future.

Year after year, its once-bountiful crop has fallen by more than 11.51 percent as climate change tightens its grip. Warmer winters and erratic rainfall have made it harder to grow wheat, which thrives in cooler conditions.

His cattle, essential for the family’s livelihood, bring in crops 15-20 percent less milk due to heat. When the rains finally come, they bring floods that destroy more than 30 percent of pastures instead of providing relief.

Rajesh’s story reflects the lives of more thanIndia’s 80 million dairy farmers are grappling with a climate crisis that is affecting their survival.

This crisis is not limited to Indian farmers. Farmers in Africa and Latin America are being battered by the cost of fertilizers and energy, and by income volatility.

As climate conditions worsen, agriculture, which relies on stable weather patterns, becomes increasingly vulnerable. Without urgent intervention, these challenges could lead to increased food insecurity and economic hardship.

The role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change

The widespread use of renewable and sustainable energy sources is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and achieve global net zero emissions goals.

Although solar and wind energy are widely used, they require high initial costs and are susceptible to weather conditions. There is an urgent need for reliable energy sources that have low environmental impact but are also accessible and scalable in rural areas.

One promising alternative is modern biogas technology, which offers both environmental and economic benefits. Small-scale biogas plants provide a continuous source of clean energy while reducing methane emissions, promoting decentralized energy production and environmental sustainability.

Also read: Horticulture production in India falls as vegetable production falls, fruit yields rise

The byproduct, nutrient-rich biofertilizer, is an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers that reduces the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers. Studies show that biofertilizers also improve soil structure and water retention, increasing crop yields by up to 40 percent.

Biogas plants also help reduce dependence on expensive LPG or firewood, saving farmers up to ₹15,000-₹20,000 per year. They are highly efficient and portable, can be installed in a day and operate for up to 20 years, providing long-term energy security for rural communities.

The potential for large-scale impact is also significant: decentralized renewable energy sources such as biogas are easing pressure on the country’s LPG distribution system. Biomass-connected mini-grids have already been successfully implemented in various states, showing the promise of the technology for nationwide sustainability.

Government policy on the impact of climate change and recommended actions for the future

The Indian government has introduced a number of key policies to help farmers across the country adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Initiatives like Gobardhan Yojana, The MNRE Biogas Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) promote the use of renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, while the Biogas Aggregation Machinery (BAM) Scheme and the Surya Ghar Yojana Scheme further promote decentralised renewable energy solutions.

These initiatives are complemented by the inclusion of biogas by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change in Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, which opens up new opportunities for the international sale of carbon dioxide emission allowances and climate finance to promote the biogas sector.

However, achieving India’s net-zero emissions goals will require scaling up these efforts with more technological approaches. While expanding the renewable energy sector is key, decentralized biogas plants are a great alternative, as they have the potential to offer immediate, local benefits to smallholder farmers.

To further accelerate progress, the government could consider increasing subsidies for small-scale biogas plants and investing in rural infrastructure to make renewable energy more accessible to remote communities. These measures will enable farmers to better adapt to the impacts of climate change and contribute to India’s broader sustainable development goals.

The Role of Corporations and NGOs in Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

While government policies play a key role, corporations, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations play a key role in the widespread adoption of biogas and sustainable agricultural practices.

Corporations can drive widespread adoption by investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as biogas projects, and providing technical expertise. Such investments also provide corporations with opportunities to earn carbon credits that help offset their residual carbon emissions, supporting their progress toward net-zero goals.

Milk production organizations such as the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) are key to implementing programmes such as the New National Biogas and Organic Fertiliser Programme (NNBOMP) and the Biogas Energy Generation (Off-Grid) and Thermal Applications Programme (BPGTP), which aims to provide farmers with cleaner energy sources while improving livestock productivity.

Nonprofit organizations (NGOs) are also integral to supporting the implementation of sustainable agricultural and energy solutions at the community level. They provide essential services, including education, technical support, and financial assistance to farmers. NGOs often connect farmers with larger corporate or government initiatives, ensuring accessibility and effective implementation of sustainable practices.

Application

To build a resilient and future-proof agriculture sector, India must adopt a strategy that prioritises sustainable solutions while empowering farmers at the grassroots level.

As the climate crisis worsens, the need for collective action by governments, corporations and communities is more urgent than ever.

Integrating renewable technologies such as biogas, scaling financial support systems and supporting technological innovation can ensure a sustainable future for agriculture. This holistic approach is not only about securing livelihoods, but also about protecting the global food supply, economic resilience and environmental well-being.

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With decisive, collective action, farmers like Rajesh can be better prepared to address the challenges of climate change, paving the way for an agricultural system that can thrive despite future uncertainties.

The author is the Managing Director of Sistema.bio in India