The Report warns that extreme heat is pushing global and Indian agrifood systems to the brink.

Key highlights of Report regarding Indian agriculture

• Food Security Risk: Heatwaves are a major threat to Indian rice and wheat production, with the Ganges and Indus River basins facing the most intense risks.
  • Also, the yield for fruits, vegetables, dairy and poultry are projected to decline rapidly due to increased insect pests, diseases outbreaks, rainfall deficit, etc. with the rising heatwaves.
• Threats to Agricultural Workers: by the end of 21^st century under high-emission scenarios, wet bulb temperature extremes could lead to 40% fall in work capacity.
  • Wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature air can reach by evaporating water into it. It is a combined measure of heat and humidity that represents how effectively sweating can cool a person down.

Recommendations and Adaptation Strategies

• On-Farm Adaptation and Innovations: such as heat-tolerant crops and livestock breeds, adjusting planting schedules, and altering management practices like improved irrigation and shading.
• Early Warning Systems: such as seasonal outlooks, are vital to help farmers anticipate risks and implement protective measures.
• Access to financial services: such as cash transfers, risk insurance and shock-responsive social protection  to vulnerable farmers are essential to recover from extreme heat damages and avoid poverty spirals.
• Climate Change Mitigation: protecting global food security requires a decisive transition away from a high-emissions future.