Indian Agriculture Minister Gets Criticized For Ignoring The Impact Of High Temperatures On Wheat Crop

Mar, 2023 - By SMI

Experts Concerned About the Lack of Action Taken to Mitigate Climate Change Effects

The Indian Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, has received criticism for his lack of concern over the impact of high temperatures on the country's wheat crop. Experts say that climate change has severely affected the agriculture sector in recent years, leading to lower yields and a decline in the overall quality of crops.

The minister's remarks came during a recent press conference, where he was asked about the government's plans to tackle the issue. Tomar stated that it was too early to say whether the high temperatures would have an adverse effect on the wheat crop this year. He added that he was hopeful that the situation would improve, and the crop would be protected from the harsh weather conditions.

However, experts say that the minister's comments are not reassuring and reflect a lack of action taken by the government to address climate change. India is one of the countries most vulnerable to its effects, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns wreaking havoc on the agricultural sector.

A report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) ranked India 102 out of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index, indicating the severity of the food crisis in the country. The report also stated that climate change is a significant contributor to the problem, with droughts and floods causing widespread damage to crops.

"With temperatures soaring each year, it's imperative that the government takes swift action to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture," said Shweta Narayan, a climate activist. "Ignoring the issue and hoping for the best is not going to solve anything."

Experts agree that government policies need to focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing emissions from agriculture, and developing drought-resistant crops. The agriculture sector employs around 50% of the country's workforce, making it crucial to the economy's growth.

As the world marks Earth Day 2021, it's vital that countries like India take proactive steps to address climate change and protect the planet's resources. With the agriculture sector being one of the most vulnerable, it's time for the government to prioritize this issue and take action to safeguard the country's food security.