Improved Livelihoods Through Sustainable and Diversified Cropping Systems

Climate change presents an additional challenge for sustainable food production in the developing world. It is necessary to enhance present yield levels. Deriving and popularizing suitable cropping systems is critical. Integrated watershed management (IWM) implemented in Adarsha watershed, Kothapally, is a fine example of overcoming negative impacts of climate change. About 250 rainwater harvesting structures were constructed. About 27% of the rainfall contributed to groundwater recharge and risen the groundwater levels by 2-3 m. Due to increased water availability, farmers were able to diversify crops and grown two/three crops. In the post-rainy season, vegetables, rice, sorghum and chickpea were grown. Increased soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks were observed due to inclusion of legumes in cropping systems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change affects crop production more negatively than positive, and countries like India are highly vulnerable. As per the general circulation model (GCM) CESM1-CAM5, RCP8.5, for Kothapally area, maximum and minimum temperatures during monsoon (Jun-Sep) are to be increased by 1.0 and 0.9 degrees C, respectively, by 2030. At the same time, rainfall in June and July together is expected to decrease by 65 mm, and August and September together are projected to have increased rainfall of about 50 mm. Sustainability of crops like cotton, maize, sorghum and pigeonpea was studied using crop simulation models. Impacts of climate change on productivity were estimated and suitable adaptation strategies were derived.