Climate impacts on Indian agriculture

• DOI: 10.1002/joc.1081
• Publication Date: 2004-08-26T15:56:22Z
• Authors: K. Krishna Kumar; K. Rupa Kumar; R. G. Ashrit; N. R. Deshpande; J. W. Hansen
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 13. Climate action; 1. No poverty; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract Agriculture (arguably the backbone of India's economy) is highly dependent on spatial and temporal distribution monsoon rainfall. This paper presents an analysis crop–climate relationships for India, using historic production statistics major crops (rice, wheat, sorghum, groundnut sugarcane) aggregate food grain, cereal, pulses oilseed production. Correlation provides indication influence rainfall some its potential predictors (Pacific Indian Ocean sea‐surface temperatures, Darwin sea‐level pressure) crop All‐India annual total (except sorghum sugarcane), in sorghum) post‐monsoon seasons rice were significantly correlated to all‐India summer Monsoon season strongly associated with three predictors. Results state‐level subdivisional generally consistent results, but demonstrated surprising variations. Whereas impact strong most country, concurrent related El Niño–southern oscillation temperatures at a long lead time seem greatest western central peninsula. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society