The agricultural sector is a paradox—while it contributes to climate change, it also bears the brunt of its impacts. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is responsible for erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and heatwaves (Gupta and Pathak, 2016).  Higher temperature leads to increased crop respiration rate and evapotranspiration, greater pest and weed infestation, reduced crop duration and diminished microbial activities in the soil (Malhi, Kaur, and Kaushik, 2021). Several studies have shown that climate change has a direct impact on the crop yields. Kumar, Singh, and Sharma (2020) found that variations in rainfall and rising temperature significantly affected the yield of rice and wheat in the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab. The Economic Survey (2023–24) highlighted the need to address climate change through adaptation measures. It cautioned "In the absence of the adoption of adaptation measures, rainfed rice yields in India are projected to drop by 20% in 2050 and 47% in 2080 scenarios, while irrigated rice yields are projected to reduce by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080 scenarios. Climate change is projected to reduce wheat yield by 19.3% in 2050 and 40% in 2080 scenarios" (GOIa, 2024). According to Malhi, Kaur, and Kaushik (2021), the negative impact of climate change on crop yield could result in a 0.3% gross domestic loss (GDP) loss globally by 2100.

In India, 55% of the net sown area is rainfed, contributing to 40% of the total grain production. Additionally, the rainfed area supports 40% of livestock and 80% of the total small and marginal farmers (NRAA, 2022). The poor socio-economic conditions of small and marginal farmers reduce their adaptive capacities, making them more susceptible to environmental stresses and shocks (Jayaraman and Murari, 2014). This makes Indian agriculture a vulnerable sector to climate change, which can cause severe economic impacts on smallholder farmers and threaten food and nutrition security.

Agroecology in Mitigating Climate Risks

In this context, agroecological approaches are gaining momentum as effective solutions to address climate change. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) urged countries to scale up the agroecological transition as it contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and addresses the challenges of poverty, malnutrition, environmental degradation, and climate change (FAO, 2018). Agroecology offers a climate friendly and resilient approach to farming by integrating natural processes and resources into agricultural systems. It fosters the resilience of farmers and the agricultural sector by promoting polyculture, integrating livestock and forestation into the farming system, and managing soil health (Altieri, et al. 2015). Agroecological approaches help sustain traditional farming practices such as the use of local seeds, indigenous livestock, time-tested disease and pest management, along with soil and water conservation practices. They empower marginalized communities, including smallholders, women, and indigenous people, by fostering innovation, adaptation, and knowledge sharing. Farmers benefit from reduced dependency on external inputs, lower costs, and improved adaptation to climate shocks.

The Government of India has taken significant steps to promote agroecology and enhance agricultural resilience to climate risks. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aims to develop strategies for climate-resilient farming. Similarly, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) initiative, launched in 2011 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), develops and promotes technologies to address climate challenges such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Since 2014, NICRA has introduced 1,888 climate-resilient crop varieties and 68 location-specific technologies, benefiting vulnerable districts across India. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), Government of India, launched the National Mission on Natural Farming, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 2481 crore (approximately $298.92 million) (GOIb, 2024).

In the backdrop of emerging international and national experiences in sustainable farming systems and considering the high-climate vulnerability of India's rainfed and drylands, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recognized the need for innovative solutions. As a strategic and transformational approach, NABARD launched an agroecology programme named JIVA within its watershed and tribal development projects. The JIVA includes soil health improvements, water resource management, and the adoption of diversified cropping systems, which align with global climate adaptation strategies. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the JIVA programme in areas of capacity building, knowledge management, and research in partnership with various expert agencies such as WASSAN and RySS, amongst others.

JIVA Programme

JIVA, derived from the Sanskrit meaning 'a living being imbued with life force', is a transformative programme advancing agroecological farming across 24 pilot projects in 11 states and 5 agroecological zones. Recently, JIVA expanded its reach, adding 19 new projects across 9 additional states, covering 8 agro-climatic zones. The programme emphasizes farmer-led extension systems, crop diversification, integration of livestock, nutrition garden, local marketing and value addition, along with empowering communities to share knowledge and drive local adaptation strategies. Its multi-dimensional approach is designed to enhance climate resilience, strengthen rural livelihoods, and promote ecological sustainability, creating scalable models for long-term agricultural transformation.

Climate-resilient Agriculture Practices under the JIVA Programme

Landscape planning

The JIVA programme focuses on landscape-based planning processes to identify activities that are relevant for developing the local agroecosystem. In this regard, application of the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote-sensing tools along with participatory resource mapping exercises, involving farmers and villagers, is used to delineate the project area, and map natural, physical, and institutional resources. Landscape-based planning also helps to identify the climate-vulnerable regions and communities within the project area.

Crop diversification

The JIVA project has introduced the five-layer model, Surya Mandalam model, and the Any Time Money (ATM) model of crop diversification. The five-layer model is a sustainable farming approach that integrates multi-layered cropping, combining trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, and ground crops. The Surya Mandalam model is natural farming model based on circular farming principles, focusing on symbiotic crop combinations and resource recycling. The ATM model is diversified farming model that ensures continuous income generation for farmers by integrating high-value crops, livestock, and allied activities, allowing farmers to access 'any time' income for their financial needs. The JIVA farmers grow crops like pulses, cereals, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit trees, and medicinal plants in the same field, optimizing land use, improving soil health, and creating a more resilient farming system.

Pre-monsoon dry sowing

Farmers in rainfed areas under the JIVA programme are practising pre-monsoon dry sowing. This technique ensures better seed germination by utilizing residual moisture in the soil before the onset of the monsoon, thereby improving crop survival and yield during erratic rainfall patterns.

Integration of livestock and aquaculture in the cropping system

The JIVA project promotes livestock farming and aquaculture as an integrated approach to the cropping system. Livestock provides input for making bio-inputs and manures required for natural farming in the region. In several JIVA projects, farmers have undertaken poultry farming, goat rearing, and aquaculture alongside crop cultivation to enhance the local agroecosystem. These allied activities provide supplementary income and mitigate crop failure risks due to climate hazards. 

Bio-resource centres

Farmers under the JIVA programme established bio-resource centres in several regions as part of an entrepreneurial model, where they produce a wide range of bio-inputs and organic concoctions including Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Neemastra, and others. These centres promote natural farming by providing bio-enhancers and microbial inoculants, reducing the need for agrochemicals and enhancing soil health.

Local markets and circular economy

The JIVA programmes focus on nurturing the integration of local production and consumption systems (local markets) to enable a circular economy. In this regard, the programme develops local enterprises and entrepreneurs as a support system for farmers to reduce dependency on external resources and markets. In the long run, it can develop resilient downstream and upstream agri supply chains that are better equipped to withstand climate risks.

Impact of the JIVA Programme

The implementation of diverse climate-resilient agricultural practices under the JIVA programme has significantly transformed farming communities. A total of 1,066 beneficiaries have adopted natural farming techniques across 330.88 hectares in the first year. Intensive efforts have been directed towards empowering approximately 720 farmers, including 230 women, to become lead farmers. These individuals now serve as farmer resource persons, playing a pivotal role in supporting fellow farmers in adopting natural farming and transitioning towards an agroecology-based farming system. With crop diversity ranging from 8 to 20 varieties including millets, pulses, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits-farmers have increased their resilience and productivity. Incomes have raised by `10,000 to `15,000 (approximately $120 to $180) per season, and soil health has improved with enhanced moisture retention, better texture, and higher microbial activity due to bio-resources, natural mulching, and year-round crop cover. These initial results from the first year highlight the success of JIVA's integrated approach to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Conclusion

The JIVA is an innovative programme that has the potential to enhance sustainability and make agriculture climate resilient. The participatory method in the planning process and farmer-to-farmer learning approaches will ensure the outreach and sustainability of the initiatives. There is a need to constantly evaluate the programme in collaboration with the farming community and local implementing partners to understand what is working and what is not working. Scaling up climate-resilient programmes like JIVA requires policy alignment, enhanced financial support, and widespread adoption through public-private partnerships.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2018. Scaling up agroecology initiative: transforming food and agricultural systems in support of the SDGs. Details available at

GOIa. 2024. Economic Survey 2023–24. New Delhi

GOIb. 2024. National Mission on Natural Farming: Operational Guideline, New Delhi

Gupta, A. and Pathak, H. 2016. Climate change and agriculture in India. New Delhi 

Jayaraman, T. and Murari, K. 2014. Climate change and agriculture: current and future trends, and implications for India. Review of Agrarian Studies, 4 (1)

Kumar, A., Singh, B. J. and Sharma, P. 2020. Assessing the climate change impact on rice and wheat production in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana states of India. Climate Change, 6 (21): 74–93

Kumar, S., Mishra, A. K., Pramanik, S., Mamidanna, S., and Whitbread, A. 2020. Climate risk, vulnerability and resilience: supporting livelihood of smallholders in semiarid India. Land use policy, 97: 104729

Malhi, G. S., Kaur, M., and Kaushik, P. 2021. Impact of climate change on agriculture and its mitigation strategies: a review. Sustainability, 13 (3): 1318

National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA). 2022. Accelerating the growth of rainfed agriculture: integrated farmers livelihood approach, New Delhi #

Dr Deepak Chamola is Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, New Delhi; Pritam Majumdar is Senior Consultant NABARD, Mumbai;Dr R Ravi Babu is General Manager in NABARD, Mumbai.