Professor Madhura Swaminathan stated that small scale farmers should be provided sufficient social, economic, and technological support to overcome the situation. Madhura Swaminathan is a renowned economist, Professor, and Head of the Economic Analysis Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute, Bengaluru. She spoke at a public lecture organised jointly by the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies (CSES), Department of Economics, Aluva UC College, and the Women’s Studies Centre, CUSAT.
To mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture and livelihoods, seeds with higher yields capable of resisting climate change conditions, as well as knowledge and technological tools, are essential. Climate-resilient crops, water-efficient irrigation methods, and alternative energy sources are crucial in tackling this challenge.
The burden of carbon emissions responsible for climate change primarily lies with developed countries. However, poor countries are burdened to atone for carbon emissions, which are vastly accounted for by developed countries. Such arrangements prevent the growth of countries such as India. Hence, international cooperation is vital in reducing carbon emissions that lead to severe climate conditions and supporting the adoption of climate-resilient practices in the agricultural sector.
Prof. Swaminathan stressed the need for more studies at the local level to understand and assess the impact of climate change. Studies conducted in Karnataka revealed the need for and possibilities of such studies.