2. Impact of Climate Change on Major Crops

Other possible consequences

The possible adverse bearing of global warming on the output of other crops has still not been assessed or ascertained precisely, though this is believed to be relatively less. The kharif (summer) crops, in fact, may not be substantial losers in this respect. 

On the positive side, the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is expected to be beneficial for several crops. Also, the damage to the crops due to ground frost, which is quite common during the rabi season in the country's key north-western agricultural belt, may also reduce due to rise in temperature in the wake of climate change. [1]
 
The issue of the impact of climate change on agriculture and the possible ways to cope with it were discussed at a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Agriculture ministry. It points out that temperature rise and other anticipated atmospheric changes could reduce crop duration, increase crop respiration rate, affect equilibrium between crops and pests, lower fertiliser-use efficiency and increase evapo-transpiration. The net result of such changes would be that the water and fertiliser requirement of the crops would increase and the threat from pests and diseases would enhance. The decline of glaciers that sustain river flows could reduce the availability of water for irrigation and other purposes.

 
Besides, the rise in sea level and sea water temperature could adversely affect fisheries. Many of the precious coral reefs could vanish. Livestock could face heat stress, resulting in a decline in their productivity. [2]