In Uttar Pradesh, new training initiatives are empowering farmers to tackle climate change challenges through sustainable practices. From drought-tolerant crops to water-efficient irrigation, these programs aim to boost agricultural resilience, enhance yields, and secure livelihoods. Supported by government and NGOs, the efforts focus on equipping farmers with skills to adapt to erratic weather patterns.
Uttar Pradesh Empowers Farmers with Climate-Smart Training
Uttar Pradesh, India’s agricultural heartland, is taking bold steps to address the growing threat of climate change through targeted training programs for farmers. With nearly 60% of the state’s population dependent on agriculture, the region faces challenges like erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and soil degradation. Recent initiatives, backed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and local NGOs, are equipping farmers with climate-resilient practices to safeguard their livelihoods.
In 2024, the state government, in collaboration with ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), rolled out training modules in over 10,000 villages across UP’s 75 districts. These programs focus on practical solutions like cultivating drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties, such as the short-duration green gram (virat) and wheat variety HI1665, which have shown resilience in water-scarce conditions. Farmers are also trained in water management techniques, including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to optimize scarce resources.
In districts like Bundelkhand, where water scarcity and farmer distress are acute, workshops led by organizations like the Sustainability and Adaptation Planning Foundation (SuAP) have introduced natural farming methods. A November 2023 training in Chitrakoot, for instance, engaged 44 farmers, including women, in learning indigenous practices like preparing jeevamrut (a natural fertilizer) and neemastra (a biopesticide). These low-cost, eco-friendly techniques reduce reliance on chemical inputs while boosting soil health.
The state’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a pivotal role, conducting Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to demonstrate climate-smart practices. In 2024, KVKs in districts like Gorakhpur and Varanasi trained over 5,000 farmers in intercropping legumes with cereals to enhance soil fertility and reduce pest risks. Agroforestry, integrating trees with crops, has also gained traction, with farmers in Lucknow and Kanpur adopting models that curb soil erosion and diversify income.
Women farmers, often overlooked, are a key focus. In 2023, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) trained 45 women in UP as Pashusakhis (livestock caregivers) to address veterinary shortages. These women, equipped with skills in vaccine administration, are enhancing livestock resilience, a critical income source during crop failures. Such gender-inclusive approaches are vital, as women handle significant agricultural tasks but often lack access to training.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Farmers in UP’s rainfed areas, comprising 70% of the state’s farmland, struggle with limited access to climate-resilient seeds and financial support. Experts note that while ICAR has developed 2,177 stress-tolerant crop varieties over the past decade, distribution lags, with some seeds taking three years to reach farmers. High costs of technologies like drip irrigation also deter smallholders, who form 86% of UP’s farming community.
To address these gaps, the state is leveraging digital tools. The PESTPREDICT-EMS app, launched in 2023, helps farmers identify pests and adopt integrated pest management, reducing crop losses. Additionally, the Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural Security, Technology and Insurance (SARATHI) platform, introduced in 2024, simplifies access to crop insurance, protecting farmers from climate-induced losses.
UP’s efforts align with national goals under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which emphasizes soil health, water efficiency, and crop diversification. In 2024, the state reported a 15% increase in millet cultivation, a climate-resilient crop requiring less water, following targeted training in districts like Jhansi and Mirzapur. Such shifts are critical, as climate change could reduce agricultural productivity by 10-40% by 2100 without adaptation.
Local success stories highlight the impact. In Deulgaon Tad, a semi-arid village, farmers trained under NICRA saw a 19.5% higher income during droughts compared to untrained peers, thanks to water harvesting and resilient crops. Similarly, in Chitrakoot, women-led millet farming has improved household nutrition and income stability. These outcomes underscore the potential of scalable, inclusive training to transform UP’s agricultural landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news, reports, and insights from credible sources, including ICAR, WOTR, and SuAP. Information is accurate as of August 2025, but agricultural outcomes may vary based on local conditions. Farmers are advised to consult KVKs or local agricultural departments for tailored guidance.