Agriculture is one of the industries that has felt the impact of climate change in profound ways. Farmers In different parts of the world have been affected by unpredictable and extreme weather conditions such as floods, drought, global warming, and shifting climatic trends. Unexpected weather changes pose challenges to farmers as they grow crops to sustain the growing population. These days, farmers are using cutting-edge tools and sustainable farming practices to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere from their farms. Climate-smart solutions such as improved plant breeding technologies and digital tools are being used to mitigate the effects of climate change and to help create a carbon-zero future.
Agriculture’s role in minimizing climate change
Agriculture is addressing a changing climate in various ways such as:
Precision agriculture practices and digital tools enables farmers to monitor and familiarize on what is happening in their farms. For instance, sensors equipped with high-resolution cameras can help farmers monitor pesticide application and help them ensure that they are applied more efficiently. This will help reduce pesticide runoff into the soil and greenhouse emissions. Precipitation alerts notify farmers on when to expect rainfall, strong winds or high humidity. This can help the devise an effective irrigation and pest-control program and minimize unnecessary fossil fuel use at this time. When farmers have more control over their crops, they can grow more food on a less piece of land which can translate into more profits.
With numerous and better weed-control solutions, farmers can minimize tillage in their gardens. Use Less soil disruption minimizes fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The soil is also able to store carbon, nutrients, and water when there is less tillage.
Minimizing chemical fertilizer is a powerful step towards creating a carbon-zero future. Using microbes and regular manuring can help in reduce fertilizer use in the farm. Microbes absorb nitrogen from the air which is then use by the plants.
Draining of wetlands and massive deforestation is the largest contributor of climate change. As people clear forests to create land for farming, the ability of the natural ecosystem to absorb and store carbon reduces. Planting profitable fruit trees can be lucrative venture that promotes biodiversity and mitigates the impact of climate change.
Managing weather changes
Smallholder farmers are the most affected by unexpected weather changes. Extreme weather conditions such as drought and floods can have devastating effects to the crops and can ruin the entire harvest. To manage their crops even when the unexpected occurs, farmers need access to insights, tools, and resources that can help them mitigate the impact of climate change.
Smallholder farmers are particularly dependent on climatic conditions to grow their crops. With an increasingly unpredictable climate, extreme weather conditions could threaten their entire harvest.
Crops need water to flourish. However, too much water can damage the crops. Flooding is a challenge to most farmers during the rainy seasons. Innovative technologies such as hybrid seeds has made it possible for crops to survive for up to two weeks of being submerged. Fruit farmers should, however, avoid setting orchards in regions prone to flooding.