Experts Urge Climate-Smart Farming in Punjab Amid El Nino Concerns
With El Nino signals emerging, PAU experts calls for climate-smart farming in Punjab
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Scientists at Punjab Agricultural University warn of potential below-normal rainfall due to emerging El Nino conditions, urging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices to mitigate water scarcity and enhance agricultural resilience in Punjab.
- 01El Nino conditions are linked to drought years in Punjab, with 8 out of 13 drought years in the past 25 years coinciding with these conditions.
- 02Punjab's average annual monsoon rainfall is around 500 mm, with significant deficits recorded in 2014 and 2012, both associated with El Nino.
- 03Experts recommend cultivating drought-tolerant crops and using micro-irrigation systems to improve water-use efficiency.
- 04Climate change is increasing rainfall variability, leading to more extreme dry spells and heavy rainfall events.
- 05Farmers are advised to prepare livestock for extreme weather and store fodder in advance.
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As the monsoon season approaches, scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have raised concerns about the potential for below-normal rainfall in Punjab due to emerging El Nino conditions. This phenomenon could exacerbate the state’s already critical groundwater depletion and present new challenges for agriculture. Historical data indicates a strong correlation between El Nino events and drought years in Punjab, with eight of the last thirteen drought years coinciding with these conditions. The experts recommend that farmers adopt climate-smart farming practices, such as cultivating short-duration and drought-resistant crops, and utilizing water-efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems. They also highlight the importance of conserving soil moisture and preparing livestock for extreme weather conditions. With the likelihood of a deficient monsoon increasing, timely adoption of these strategies is deemed essential to safeguard Punjab's agricultural sustainability and water resources.
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The anticipated below-normal rainfall due to El Nino could lead to increased reliance on groundwater irrigation, further depleting Punjab's aquifers.
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