Recent reports indicate a concerning trend in mango production in India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has documented rise in temperatures. The year 2024 was recorded as the warmest since 1901, with a mean temperature 0.65°C above the 1991-2020 average. This warming trend raises questions about its impact on mango crops, a staple fruit in India.
Temperature Trends and Mango Yield
The last twelve years have shown consistently higher temperatures, challenging the historical pattern of fluctuating climate. Despite these concerns, empirical data from the Horticulture Department reveals that mango productivity has varied but remains robust. The average yield from 2001-02 to 2024-25 was around 7.9 metric tonnes per hectare, with expectations for 2024-25 at 9.4 MT/Ha, surpassing leading producers like China and Thailand.
Impact of Climate on Mango Trees
Higher temperatures have been linked to several adverse effects on mango trees. Issues such as fruit drop, early maturity, and uneven ripening have been observed. Specific varieties like Alphonso are susceptible to disorders such as spongy tissue. The mango plant requires stable weather conditions for optimal growth, particularly during the budding and fruit-setting stages. Irregular weather patterns can disrupt these critical periods.
Genetic Diversity and Resilience
Research suggests that genetic diversity in mango species plays important role in their resilience to climate change. Studies indicate that mangoes possess physiological mechanisms that allow them to adapt to varying environmental conditions. This genetic variation is essential for breeding programs aimed at enhancing climate resilience. Researchers are optimistic about the future of mango production due to this adaptability.
Current Agricultural Practices
Mango cultivation in India has seen an increase in acreage, with a reported rise of 2.34% in 2023-24. This expansion is accompanied by a substantial production increase, indicating that despite climatic challenges, farmers are adapting. The combination of traditional knowledge and modern agricultural practices is vital for sustaining mango production.
Future Outlook
The future of mango production in India hinges on understanding climate impacts and leveraging genetic diversity. Continuous research and adaptive farming techniques will be essential. The ability of mangoes to thrive in changing climates offers hope for maintaining this vital agricultural sector.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- What are the physiological adaptations of fruit-bearing trees to rising temperatures? Provide examples.
- Estimate the role of genetic diversity in enhancing crop resilience to climate change.
- Point out the significance of traditional agricultural practices in modern farming. How do they contribute to sustainability?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Rising temperatures have been recorded, with 2024 being the warmest year since 1901, impacting crop cycles.
- Despite temperature increases, empirical data shows mango productivity in India remains robust, averaging 7.9 MT/Ha.
- Climate change leads to irregular weather patterns, affecting critical growth stages of crops like mangoes.
- Farmers are adapting through improved practices and increased acreage under cultivation, indicating resilience.
- Long-term impacts include potential shifts in crop viability and the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture.
2. What are the physiological adaptations of fruit-bearing trees to rising temperatures? Provide examples.
- Fruit-bearing trees, like mangoes, can adjust their flowering and fruiting times to cope with temperature changes.
- Physiological mechanisms include enhanced drought resistance and improved nutrient uptake under stress conditions.
- Some varieties exhibit traits like thicker cuticles to reduce water loss and better heat tolerance.
- For example, Alphonso mangoes show resilience to spongy tissue disorder through genetic adaptation.
- These adaptations enable trees to maintain productivity despite fluctuating climatic conditions.
3. Estimate the role of genetic diversity in enhancing crop resilience to climate change.
- Genetic diversity allows for a range of traits that can improve adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
- Mangoes possess genetic variation, which is crucial for breeding programs aimed at climate resilience.
- Diverse genetic traits can enhance disease resistance, drought tolerance, and overall productivity under stress.
- Research shows that genetically diverse crops are more likely to thrive in adverse climatic conditions.
- This diversity supports traditional and modern breeding techniques to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Point out the significance of traditional agricultural practices in modern farming. How do they contribute to sustainability?
- Traditional practices often emphasize biodiversity and crop rotation, which enhance soil health and resilience.
- These methods can reduce reliance on chemical inputs, encouraging a more sustainable farming approach.
- Farmers’ knowledge and experience with local ecosystems contribute to adaptive strategies in modern agriculture.
- Integrating traditional practices with modern techniques can increase productivity while maintaining ecological balance.
- Such practices are vital for ensuring food security and sustainability in the face of climate change.
