Transforming Agricultural Management for a Sustainable Future

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Its effects extend to numerous sectors of society, and agriculture is one of the most vulnerable to its consequences. Changes in weather patterns threaten global crop productivity, giving rise to serious sustainability concerns. Climate change significantly negatively impacts global crop productivity. Research has consistently shown that increased temperatures, climate variability, and extreme events are associated with decreased crop yields, as well as conditions conducive to the spread and proliferation of agricultural pathogens. These effects are of particular concern in regions that are already experiencing adverse climatic conditions, mainly droughts, and floods. This chapter reviews the literature on the influence of climate change on crop productivity worldwide, analyzes the observed effects on agriculture, and explores adaptation and mitigation strategies used to address these challenges.

Water supplies are severely impacted by climate change, providing serious problems for agricultural management and food security. Water availability is changing as a result of changed patterns of precipitation, more frequent droughts, and higher evaporation rates, which has an effect on crop growth and yield potential. Water shortage becomes greater by glacier retreat and sea level rise, particularly in coastal and glacier-fed areas. The sustainability of agricultural practices is at risk by these changes, which affect existing water supply channels. Adaptive agriculture management techniques need to be implemented for managing these issues. The concentration on water-efficient irrigation techniques, like drip and sprinkler systems, together with rainwater gathering improving the water use efficiency and improves crop water availability. A variety of cropping methods, enhanced soil health management, and the selection of climate- and drought-resistant crop types all contribute to increased climate resilience. Furthermore, stakeholders can effectively predict and respond to threats correlated to climate change according to integrated water resource management and advance alerting systems. To maintain sustainable water management in agriculture, this chapter highlights the need of implementing adaptive techniques into use. Stakeholders may reduce the effects of climate change, increase food production, and increase the resilience of agricultural systems in facing the challenges of a changing climate by adopting these practices.

Sustainable agricultural production and maintaining long-term productivity depend on effective water management. This chapter covers multiple aspects of water resource management, such as determining the amount of water needed, effective irrigation methods, controlling soil moisture, choosing sustainable crops, and integrating technology. Various precision irrigation methods such as sprinkler irrigation techniques, drip irrigation systems, and the delicate balance between water efficiency and coverage, emphasize the interaction between water and plant growth. The significance of assessing soil moisture and including it in irrigation decision-making processes. Discusses drought-tolerant and resistant crop varieties, conservation tillage techniques, and cover crops to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between sustainable crop selection and water management. The combination of technological innovations and data-driven strategies, such as satellite imaging, GIS, and remote sensing help preserve the resources. This chapter emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive water resource management, including sustainable runoff and drainage, and incorporating natural systems such as artificial wetlands. The chapter ends with a summary of the main ideas and a focus on the relationship between integrated water management and sustainable agriculture. The encouragement to action stimulates the use of knowledge and practices to guarantee a future with safe access to food and water.

To address challenges like resource scarcity, destruction of the environment, and food security, the chapter examines the transformative impact of remote sensing and precision agriculture. In addition to its potential for soil mapping, crop monitoring, health assessment, and early pest and disease identification, it draws attention to the value of adopting technology into agricultural sustainability. Using data integration and analysis, the chapter additionally highlights the relationship between remote sensing and precision agriculture, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functioning as a fundamental component for incorporating data. The foundation for comprehensive analysis is the combination of field data and remote sensing, which is backed by machine learning algorithms and data processing methods. The application of remote sensing and precision agriculture has multiple sustainability advantages, such as resource optimization, environmental awareness, enhanced production, financial success, and resistance to market changes. In addition, technological challenges place an extreme value on technology adoption and education and identify new trends including the combination of remote sensing with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. The chapter’s conclusion draws together essential ideas, highlighting the interdependence of precision agriculture, sustainable agricultural methods, and remote sensing. It serves as a preview of a day when agricultural areas will be advanced in technology and ecologically harmonious.

Agroforestry is the general term for land use techniques, technologies, or systems in which woody perennials are integrated with agricultural crops or animals in the same system of land management through spatial or temporal arrangements. Agroforestry has its roots in the concept of Agri-silviculture. A sustainable and diverse strategy to land usage, agroforestry systems include trees, crops, and livestock on the same plot of land. The study tries to encompass both primary and secondary sources of the data. The analysis comprises of the use of the simple random sampling technique for the selection the households. Therefore, the present study tries to analyse the impact of agroforestry on the tribal people’s livelihoods. The collected data has been tabulated, processed, analysed and interpreted by applying suitable statistical techniques. The present study has applied sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) (Department for International Development (DFID) 1999). In which improvement in different livelihood capitals/assets such as natural, human, physical, social and financial have been analysed. In the present investigation of agroforestry systems, the farmers of the present study area have mainly practised Agro-horticulture. The major agriculture crops grown by the farmers are wheat, maize, rajmah ogla and fafra (buckwheat), potato and peas. As per the findings of the study the social and financial capitals have significantly improved in terms of information about farming and helps from the Government and Non-government organisations. Positive improvement has been witnessed in the study area due to agroforestry practices in the past few decades.

The agriculture sector is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, as it frequently encounters various extreme climatic events, including droughts, floods, natural disasters, and salinity intrusion. In order to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change and minimise its negative effects on crop production, it is crucial to evaluate the perceptions of farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of smallholder farmers regarding the impact of climate change on crop production in flood-prone regions of North Bengal, India. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was utilised in this study. The collection of primary data was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire through a household survey conducted in June and July of 2023. The study participants consisted of 225 smallholder farmers residing in the flood-prone regions of North Bengal. The data were analysed utilising descriptive statistics, the coefficient of correlation, and stepwise regression. The primary findings indicate that the perceived effects of climate change on crop production were classified as severe, with a subsequent classification of moderate impact. Out of the 15 statements concerning the impact of climate change on crop production, it was widely recognised that the most significant consequence was the escalation of pest infestations. The elevated frequency and intensity of flooding events have been identified as the second most significant consequence of climate change. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents that had the most significant impact on smallholder farmers’ perception were education, farming experience, and training experience. The study has identified significant issues that policymakers and development practitioners should address. The methodologies utilised and the outcomes obtained in this study have the potential to be applied in other flood-prone regions of India that share comparable socio-economic and regional characteristics.

Agroforestry, an ancient practice, has evolved significantly to provide manifold benefits to humanity. The execution and efficacy of both traditional and improved forms of agroforestry systems have emerged as a potent strategy for ensuring sustainable land use and safeguarding livelihoods despite the formidable challenges posed by escalating climatic variability. This practice, with its myriad ecological advantages such as soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration, enhanced land efficiency, and increased productivity, has proven imperative in empowering countries to confront the challenges posed by climate change. Beyond its ecological impacts, agroforestry plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic, food, and nutritional security of the farming community. This twofold effect not only contributes to environmental replenishment but also enhances the social standing of individual farmers, fostering stronger bonds within the broader community. While numerous agroforestry models implemented globally have shown promise in enhancing adaptive capacity against diverse climate-induced stressors, adopting agroforestry still encounters various challenges including dearth of knowledge, technical skills, motivation, capital, access to qualified seeds, and the absence of a reliable market have emerged as significant obstacles. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is crucial for facilitating the transition from monoculture to agroforestry and unlocking the full potential of this sustainable land-use practice. The ongoing commitment to overcoming these challenges will be pivotal in ensuring the widespread success and positive impacts of agroforestry on both the environment and communities worldwide. In navigating the complexities of a changing climate, recognizing and investing in these scientifically informed and comprehensive approaches becomes paramount for building resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for both ecosystems and human societies.

This chapter presents an in-depth examination of the effects of the changing climate on crop yield and food security. It starts by highlighting the importance of recognizing these implications in the context of shifting climate patterns and agriculture’s vital role in global food systems. The chapter goes into the causes of climate change, such as human activity and emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as the observed changes in the patterns of precipitation and temperature. The chapter’s primary focus is on the influence of the changing climate on crop productivity. It investigates how rising temperatures affect the process of photosynthesis, respiration, & phenological variations in crops. Variations in patterns of precipitation, including floods and droughts, as well as the prevalence of severe weather conditions like heatwaves and hurricanes, are often explored in terms of their impact on crop yields. The chapter also discusses the larger consequences for worldwide food security. It exposes food system vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting small-scale farmers and supply linkages. The nutrition, dietary alterations, and socioeconomic effects of decreased crop quality and interrupted supply are investigated. In addition, the chapter discusses adaptation and mitigation measures ranging from genetic resiliency to legislative initiatives. To address the problems posed by climate change on crop yield and food security, the abstract continues by emphasizing the necessity of coordinated efforts among diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and communities. Continuous research, new solutions, and worldwide collaboration have all been acknowledged as critical components of addressing these complex concerns.

Nanotechnology has been proved as a substitute to the existing chemical fertiliser which has a lot of negative impact on the quality of crop as well as on the environment. Use of nanoparticles in adequate quantity can be used as biosensors, agrochemicals like nano pesticides, nano fertilizers, soil enhancers and stress tolerant contributing to increasing the crop productivity and ensuring food security. In this review paper updated uses of nanotechnology in all facets of agriculture are discussed and attention is also given to new guidelines proposed by the Government of India for safe use of nanotechnology in agriculture sector. Irrespective of so many advantages, nanoparticles are not being used widely in Indian agricultural sector. In order to increase farmers’ acceptance of nanotechnology in agriculture, it is crucial to educate the farmers about this technology through trainings or workshops.

The chapter “Innovative Soil Management Technologies for a Changing Climate” discusses the impact of climate change on soil health and presents advanced technologies and practices for sustainable soil management. Key areas covered include carbon sequestration, soil remediation, and the use of microbial amendments to enhance soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The chapter also explores the potential of bioremediation and phytoremediation for soil restoration, alongside innovative approaches like nanoremediation and electrokinetic remediation to combat soil contamination. Technological advancements such as remote sensing, AI-driven irrigation platforms, and the development of artificial soils for urban agriculture are examined for their roles in improving soil management. Additionally, strategies like controlled traffic farming and the use of autonomous vehicles to prevent soil compaction are highlighted. The integration of biosensors and AI for real-time irrigation management is discussed as a method to optimize water usage and crop health. The chapter concludes that sustainable soil management is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity and environmental health. Implementing these innovative practices can significantly contribute to food security, soil conservation, and overall ecosystem resilience.

Millets hold an important place as a source of food and feed in drought prone semi-arid and arid regions of the world. They are promising in achieving food/nutrition security and a sustainable future. Millets not only are rich in slowly digestible and resistant starch, non-starch polysaccharides, dietary proteins and essential nutrients but also exert antioxidative, antiinflammatory, antihyperlipidaemic, anticancer, neuroprotective and low-glycaemic index characteristics owing to the presence of appreciable quantities of an array of nutraceuticals (phenolics, saponins, phytates/phytic acids, carotenoids, tocols and bioactive peptides). Moreover, millet cultivation presents many agro-economic advantages, for example, short crop duration, ability to grow in marginal soils under rain-fed conditions, resistance to high temperatures, water stress and diseases/pests, lesser requirements of agricultural inputs and lower labour-intensive farm operations compared to conventionally grown food crops. This chapter provides an overview of the nutritional/nutraceutical properties and agro-economic advantages of millets in order to highlight their importance in achieving a sustainable future.

In the context of human history, climate change has traditionally transpired gradually over extended temporal scales, enabling plant species to adapt to fluctuations in climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric composition. The consequential impact of climate variability on global agriculture, encompassing crop and livestock production as well as fisheries and aquaculture, has been profound. This shift in climate dynamics has manifested in notable adverse effects on crop plants, including reductions in crop yields across various regions and diminished seed protein content in cereal crops. Agricultural activities contribute significantly to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, particularly through the production and application of fertilizers, leading to the release of Nitrous Oxide—a GHG with a heat-trapping potency 298-fold greater than Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (Hassan et al. 2022). The proactive management of CO₂ levels, a pivotal factor in global warming, is essential for climate regulation. Recognizing the pivotal role of plants in the carbon cycle, particularly through photosynthesis and silicate weathering, offers avenues for intervention. Notably, the cultivation of cereal crops, constituting 75% of global food production, exhibits a unique capacity to extract nitrogen from the soil through metabolic interactions with Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Simultaneously, legumes, exemplified by bean and pea plants, engage in a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, forming root nodules that facilitate nitrogen acquisition in exchange for carbon, thereby minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing reliance on fossil energy. This approach holds promise for sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices on a global scale.

This chapter explores the dynamic challenges and opportunities associated with crop yield prediction in diverse agricultural landscapes. As agriculture varies across regions, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach becomes crucial for developing accurate and context-specific yield prediction models. The chapter begins by highlighting the significance of tailoring predictive methodologies to the unique characteristics of different agricultural environments. The initial sections provide an overview of the diverse factors influencing crop yield in various landscapes, including soil types, climate patterns, and cropping systems. Understanding the complexity of these factors is essential for designing effective prediction models that can accommodate the heterogeneity present in different agricultural settings. The chapter then delves into the integration of remote sensing technologies, machine learning algorithms, and precision agriculture techniques tailored to diverse landscapes. Emphasis is placed on the adaptability and scalability of these technologies to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers, large-scale commercial agriculture, and everything in between. Case studies from a range of agricultural landscapes worldwide are presented to illustrate successful applications of predictive models. These case studies highlight the practical implications of tailoring crop yield prediction approaches to the unique challenges and opportunities present in specific regions. Lessons learned from these real-world implementations contribute to the development of best practices for diverse agricultural contexts. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the importance of incorporating local knowledge and engaging with stakeholders in the development and implementation of predictive models. Recognizing the role of farmers, agronomists, and local communities in the process enhances the relevance and acceptance of these technologies in diverse landscapes. Challenges associated with data availability, technology adoption, and resource constraints are discussed, along with potential strategies to overcome these hurdles. The chapter concludes by outlining future research directions and the need for ongoing collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to refine and adapt crop yield prediction models for the ever-evolving tapestry of global agriculture. This chapter serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals and researchers seeking to navigate the complexities of predicting crop yields in diverse agricultural landscapes.

Rivers have been the lifeblood of human civilization, dictating the patterns of settlement, trade, and most notably, agriculture. These water bodies have not only provided the essential element for crop cultivation but have also determined the agricultural practices and outputs of entire regions. However, as human societies have evolved, so too have the pressures and demands placed on our rivers. This paper delves deeply into the symbiotic relationship between rivers, human society, and agriculture, emphasizing the critical nature of river health for sustained agricultural productivity. The challenges of rising populations, increasing water demand for irrigation, and escalating pollution levels are intricately tied to the health of our soils and the food we produce. Modern flood risk management is presented as a means to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which threatens predictable agricultural cycles. Urgent pollution control measures, particularly from agricultural runoff, are emphasized, highlighting the roles of industries, urban centers, and especially farming practices. The paper also draws attention to the balance required in environmental flow requirements to ensure that while river ecosystems thrive, agricultural demands are also met. Through this comprehensive lens, we advocate for holistic river management strategies that not only cater to human and ecological needs but also recognize the pivotal role of agriculture in shaping these strategies.

Land use/Land cover (LU/LC) is a significant element to understand the primary human impact over land. The remote sensing and GIS integrated technique has been used to evaluate the change detection analysis of Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal during 2001–2019, using multispectral Landsat series data. Supervised maximum likelihood classification technique has been applied for this research. Post classification Accuracy assessment (user’s accuracy, producer’s accuracy and overall accuracy) and Kappa Coefficient were applied to justify the observation. In present study highlighted that the agricultural open land, agricultural area, vegetation and water body mostly affected and sharing area with other categories during 2001–2019 it’s happed only rapidly growth rate of population with pressure on the land. Other hand built up area and tea garden area has increase within study periods.

The Jhelum River is one of the main rivers in the Indus River system. It originates from the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir and flows through India and Pakistan before joining the Chenab River. This study aims to carry out the River flow analysis of river Jhelum in Kashmir basing by employing various methods and techniques for simulating the future flood discharge scenarios.

Jhelum. The findings reveal that the estimated discharge of all the return periods exceeds the current average carrying capacity (∼35,000 cusecs in Srinagar) of the river. It is thus likely that any flood event with the return period of five years or above would overflow the banks of the River Jhelum. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that the river discharge can be satisfactorily projected by any one of the used probability distribution methods. Floods have been recurrent phenomena in the study area. A heavy precipitation, usually coming during the end months of the summer season in association with sudden cloudburst, leads to severe flooding in the study area. By now, the catchment area of the river is already saturated and the high run-off swells the rivers beyond their capacity. The present study describes the application of new models and techniques for flood studies in the river Jhelum Kashmir valley to find out the resultant expected flood levels. This purpose is to give a hand to policy makers, planners and insurers, to develop a robust strategy for the development of flood mitigation measures and plans to minimize the losses associated with the disaster in the study area.