As the world observes World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the call is clear: only through collective action — linking farmers, policymakers, scientists, and communities — can we secure a sustainable and hunger-free tomorrow
Climate change today poses the single greatest challenge to global food security. Unpredictable rainfall, increasing temperatures, drought periods, floods, and pest invasions are altering agricultural practices and undermining productivity. These effects are not evenly distributed; they strike hardest at smallholders and marginal farmers who rely directly on weather and natural resources for their sustenance. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations states that disasters have resulted in approximately USD 3.8 trillion in losses from crop and livestock production over the last thirty years, averaging around USD 123 billion annually. Notably, FAO indicates that the agricultural sector accounts for almost 23 per cent of the total damage and losses resulting from disasters. This means that almost one-fourth of all economic losses from disasters directly impact those who produce our food.
The theme for World Food Day 2025 “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” is thus both relevant and critical. It requires joint efforts at all societal levels to establish food systems that are productive, climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. In India and throughout South and Southeast Asia, this message carries profound significance. These areas, which contain the highest densities of small-scale farmers globally, are encountering increasing challenges due to climate fluctuations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that increasing temperatures and changing monsoon patterns may decrease crop yields in South Asia by as much as 10-30 per cent by 2050, particularly impacting rice and wheat — two essential staples for regional food security. Moreover, the rising occurrence of floods and droughts is expected to heighten food price fluctuations and rural hardship.
India, possessing a large and varied agricultural foundation, is at the forefront of this crisis. In recent years, the nation has experienced repeated floods in the north-eastern and northern plains, droughts in central and southern areas, and heatwaves affecting several states — resulting in a combined impact on agricultural production. The 2023-24 monsoon season has seen inadequate and irregular rainfall across certain regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, resulting in considerable losses in pulse and oilseed crops. In northern India, unexpected rains harmed wheat and horticultural crops, demonstrating how brief climatic irregularities can ruin livelihoods. From 2015 to 2021, India suffered a loss of almost 34 million hectares of crops due to heavy rainfall and approximately 35 million hectares because of drought, as reported by the World Economic Forum (WEF). These statistics illustrate the significant impact of extreme weather on the nation’s agricultural sector.
Climate shocks now affect nearly every aspect of India’s economy and society, but their effects are most pronounced in agriculture, which accounts for roughly 15 per cent of the national GDP and supports livelihoods for nearly 40 per cent of the population — including 70 per cent of rural households. These statistics highlight the pressing necessity to incorporate climate and disaster resilience into agricultural policy and planning frameworks. It’s not merely a matter of shielding farmers — it’s about ensuring the country’s food security and economic stability.
Building resilience in the agricultural sector begins with re-evaluating the way we grow, distribute, and consume food. Agriculture that withstands climate change must form the foundation of future strategies. This involves varying cropping systems, encouraging resilient seed types, investing in soil health recovery, and enhancing integrated water management. For example, the use of drought-resistant rice and millet types in eastern India has shown improved yields in response to fluctuating rainfall patterns. Likewise, employing micro-irrigation and rainwater collection methods can improve water efficiency and lessen susceptibility to drought periods. These practices must be enhanced with ongoing government backing, increased farmer awareness, and financial rewards. Technology and innovation are indispensable tools in this transformation. Advances in remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and geographic information systems (GIS) now enable real-time tracking of weather, soil moisture, and crop health, assisting farmers in making informed decisions. Flood and drought early warning systems, when integrated with local governance and extension services, can greatly reduce losses. Digital agriculture platforms in India are currently linking farmers to predictive climate data, crop recommendations, and insurance choices. However, these innovations need to be inclusive and accessible — designed to meet the requirements of small and marginal farmers, including women who make up almost half of India’s agricultural labour force.
A central theme of this year’s World Food Day — “Hand in Hand” — highlights the significance of teamwork. The resilience of food systems cannot be attained in solitude. It necessitates collaboration among farmers, scientists, policymakers, financial entities, private businesses, and global organisations. The FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which encourages data-informed and nation-led partnerships to fast-track agricultural change, provides a beneficial framework. In India, this strategy corresponds with national goals like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, which all focus on incorporating sustainability and resilience into conventional agricultural development. At the policy level, governments need to prioritise risk-informed agricultural planning. Agricultural and food security policies, investments in rural infrastructure, and market access initiatives must incorporate climate resilience. Social protection initiatives like crop insurance, input subsidies, and food safety nets must be broadened to address climate and disaster-related risks. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a significant initiative in this regard, yet it demands ongoing improvements to guarantee prompt compensation, clarity, and the inclusion of small and tenant farmers. Beyond policy and technology, resilience must develop from the grassroots level — through communities that are empowered. Farmers’ self-help groups and cooperatives can significantly contribute to risk management and adaptive agricultural methods. In areas susceptible to disasters, early warning systems that involve the community and preparedness plans can significantly lessen losses. Enhancing agro-advisory services at the panchayat and district levels, along with training in climate-smart agricultural practices, can elevate local capabilities. Women farmers, specifically, ought to be acknowledged and backed as catalysts for change. Their involvement in decision-making, resource management, and climate adaptation initiatives not only boosts household food security but also strengthens the sustainability of agricultural systems.
The task ahead is great, yet it is not impossible. India’s agricultural revolution provides reasons for hope. The government’s endorsement of millets as climate-resistant crops, the increasing enthusiasm for natural farming, and the growth of digital agriculture initiatives denote major advancements towards sustainability. Likewise, funding for rural infrastructure, cold storage, and value chains can enable farmers to achieve greater profits and minimise post-harvest losses — essential components of resilient food systems.
At the global level, South and Southeast Asia need to enhance collaboration in research, data exchange, and capacity development to address shared threats. Collaborative regional efforts can speed up adaptation technologies and promote the sharing of effective practices. India can set a benchmark through its scientific knowledge and institutional strength promoting climate-resilient agriculture for both national food security and as a benefit to the region and world. As we mark World Food Day 2025, it is crucial to emphasise that achieving food security amidst climate change is not just an agricultural issue; it is a human, social, and economic necessity. The task demands a long-term perspective, cohesive efforts, and above all, solidarity.
Author is a Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR
Malout Punjab |
