Climate-smart farming practices improve crops and food security in India

In India, the adoption of climate-adapted agricultural methods enables farmers to increase their yields while strengthening food security. These techniques, designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and preserve soils, are gradually transforming the practices of smallholder farmers. In the regions of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, in Andhra Pradesh, hundreds of farmers have tested approaches such as direct seeding of rice and no-till seeding for maize. The results show a significant increase in harvests and income.

Farmers using direct seeding for rice have seen their paddy production increase by 1.53 quintals per acre, while their net income per acre has risen by more than 5,000 rupees. For maize, no-till seeding has led to an increase of 1.62 quintals per acre and an income gain of 8,272 rupees per acre. Those who combine both methods achieve even greater gains: nearly 3.9 quintals per acre in paddy equivalent and an additional income of 12,812 rupees per acre. These improvements also translate into higher per capita consumption spending and better food security, with a 14% increase for households adopting both techniques.

Several factors influence the adoption of these practices. Farmers with larger cultivable areas, supplementary off-farm income, or easier access to agricultural machinery are more likely to adopt them. Perception of climate change also plays a key role: those who observe climate changes are more likely to turn to these innovations. Training, awareness meetings, and agricultural extension services further support this transition by providing farmers with the necessary knowledge and confidence.

Soils also benefit from these methods. By reducing tillage, they preserve soil structure, increase organic matter, and promote water retention, making crops more resilient to drought. They also limit the use of synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. In the long term, these practices improve soil biodiversity and its carbon storage capacity, contributing to the fight against global warming.

Women farmers more easily adopt no-till seeding for maize, as the required tools, such as the double-wheel marker, are simple to use and inexpensive. However, the machinery needed for direct seeding of rice, which is more complex and costly, remains less accessible to small farms managed by women.

Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited. Less than 2% of Indian farmers use these techniques, often due to a lack of resources or knowledge. Yet, agricultural cooperatives, accessible loans, and public-private partnerships could accelerate their spread. Equipment rental programs and structured training would provide farmers with the resources needed to overcome initial obstacles.

These practices do more than improve yields and income. They also transform how farmers perceive their role in environmental protection. By adopting sustainable methods, they help reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint while ensuring stable food production for future generations.

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Cited Publication

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44279-026-00670-9

Title: Adoption of climate-smart agricultural strategies improves farmers’ welfare and strengthens food security in peninsular India

Journal: Discover Agriculture

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Shiladitya Dey; Kumar Abbhishek; Suman Saraswathibatla; Debabrata Das