2023 · Paper V · 10 marksFrequently asked

Climate change is a global concern which needs urgent intervention to combat it — Explain why. Discuss how climate smart agriculture mitigates the devastating effects of climate change.

In short

Climate change needs urgent action because it threatens food, water and livelihoods, with projected Indian yield losses of up to 35% in rice and 60% in maize by 2039. Climate-smart agriculture counters this with sustainable yields, drought-resistant crops, drip irrigation and carbon sequestration, as Andhra Pradesh's APCNF natural farming shows.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Climate change is a pressing global concern impacting agriculture, water, and socio-economic stability, demanding urgent intervention and innovative solutions like climate-smart agriculture. Its effects are already visible through extreme weather events and disrupted ecosystems, especially threatening agrarian economies such as India’s.
Why Climate Change Needs Urgent Intervention
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Agricultural Yield Declines

Projected losses of 35% in rice and 60% in maize by 2039 threaten food security in India, affecting millions dependent on farming for livelihood.

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Water Stress and Conflict

Agriculture consumes 80-90% of water; drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh face intensified water scarcity and conflicts over resources, worsening socio-economic disparities.

How Climate Smart Agriculture Mitigates Effects
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Emission Reduction and Institutional Support

Agroforestry and afforestation under CAMPA funds sequester carbon and support biodiversity; the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in Andhra Pradesh integrates climate risk management with farmer welfare through credit access and extension services.

Way Forward
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Scaling CSA and Water Management

Expand CSA through targeted subsidies and farmer training, strengthen water-efficient technologies in vulnerable districts like Rayalaseema, and enhance soil and crop monitoring using Andhra Pradesh’s soil health card data to tailor interventions effectively.

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Community Empowerment and Policy Backing

Foster local institutions and farmer collectives to co-create adaptation strategies, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability alongside robust policy frameworks.

Conclusion
Climate change demands urgent global action; climate-smart agriculture offers a viable path to resilience, sustainability, and India’s net-zero goals by 2070. Scaling CSA with strong institutional support and community engagement is essential to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods.

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Hand-drawn diagram: Three wins of climate-smart agriculture. Three wins of climate-smart agriculture. Venn diagram: Higher productivity, Resilience to shocks, Lower emissions; overlap: Climate-smart agriculture
Diagram: Three wins of climate-smart agriculture

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Development vs Environment: natural resources, climate change, EIA, natural disasters48 questions

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