For many years, agriculture relied on a predictable pattern. Seasons followed a certain rhythm, and farmers planted their crops with confidence gained from years of experience. This predictability is fading fast. Climate change is no longer just an issue for policymakers and scientists. It now plays a crucial role in what farmers choose to grow, how they cultivate it, and what they ultimately harvest.

The years 2024 and 2025 have seen record-breaking heatwaves, unusual rainfall, floods, dry spells, and hailstorms. These events show a new reality. The current success of crops does not just depend on quality seeds, fertilisers, and farming practices. It increasingly hinges on climate change.

When the climate disrupts

Among the most direct effects of extreme weather is the increased uncertainty in crop yields. Heat stress during key growth stages, such as flowering and grain formation, has harmed productivity in cereals, vegetables, and horticultural crops. Unseasonal rainfall has delayed sowing in some areas and damaged existing crops in others. Excessive rainfall during harvest has led to significant post-harvest losses.

The threat from pests and diseases has also grown. Rising temperatures and humidity fluctuations create more favourable conditions for pests to thrive. This situation forces farmers to adjust their crop protection strategies mid-season.

Soil health, a key aspect of agriculture, has also suffered. Flooding and erosion degrade fertile land in some regions, while drought leads to soil fatigue and salinity. All these factors push agriculture into a high-risk and uncertain environment.

The economic impacts are clear as well. Climate-related crop damage contributes to price instability, supply chain disruptions, and increased reliance on insurance and safety nets for farmers. For some, the pressure is not just seasonal but constant.

The other side: Adaptation and opportunity

Yet, the climate harvest story is not just about damage. Climate challenges are also speeding up innovation and change in agriculture.

As risks rise, farmers are increasingly looking to crop diversification. There is a gradual but clear shift from water-intensive crops to maize, millets, pulses, and oilseeds that fit better with the changing climate. This change supports not only resilience but also national goals for water conservation and nutritional security.

The adoption of technology has become another important positive trend. Weather-based advisories, precision farming tools, and drone-assisted spraying are helping farmers make quicker and better decisions. These technologies enable timely actions that often make the difference between saving a crop and facing significant losses.

At the input level, the demand for stress-mitigation and climate-resilient solutions has increased. Effective crop protection products, integrated pest management methods, and climate-tolerant seed varieties are no longer optional; they are becoming essential for farm planning.

Structural shifts in Indian agriculture

What is happening is more than just a yearly disruption; it is a bigger change in agriculture. Farmers are changing the way they plant and harvest in response to unpredictable weather. Areas that once supported specific crops are rethinking their long-term suitability. Both digital and in-person advisory services are becoming more important as farmers face increasingly complicated decisions.

Policies are also changing to keep up. Crop insurance coverage, early warning systems, and climate-smart agriculture programs are becoming increasingly significant. This shift shows that managing risk is now as essential as improving productivity.

Research and development in both the private and public sectors have gained new importance during this change. Climate resilience, which used to be a minor focus, is now central to the innovation strategies in seeds, crop protection, irrigation, and agri-tech.

Redefining agricultural success

Perhaps the most important change is how we define success in agriculture. Higher yields alone are no longer the only measure. Stability, adaptability, and sustainability are becoming just as important. Today, successful farming depends on anticipating weather risks, diversifying wisely, and using climate-friendly practices. Farmers who combine technology, advisory support, and resilient inputs are better able to protect their output and income.

Climate extremes are likely to worsen in the coming years, continuing to challenge Indian agriculture, where livelihoods, food security, and crop decisions are increasingly affected by climate uncertainty. However, these changes are also transforming the sector into a more adaptable and innovative system.

The key challenge now is to ensure this transition is inclusive and supported by strong research and development, responsive policies, accessible technology, and timely support for farmers. If managed well, the conflict between climate and harvest can promote long-term resilience rather than become a permanent crisis. In this new environment, agriculture is no longer just about growing crops; it is about building resilience in uncertain conditions, where survival, sustainability, and smart adaptation are as critical to the harvest as the soil itself.

The author is Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Limited

Published on January 31, 2026