Climate Crisis Heats Up Dinner Tables: How Your 'Thaali' Might Come with a Side of Flames

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Navigating the Heat: How the Climate Crisis Impacts Your Plate


Despite the optimism surrounding a normal monsoon forecast, warnings of a severe summer loom large. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), between April and June, the country can expect more than 10-20 extreme heatwave days, double the count from last year. Scientists anticipate record-breaking temperatures that could surpass human survivability thresholds, casting a shadow over food production and prices.




The heatwave isn't sparing staple foods like wheat, or delicacies like Hilsa. While this year's wheat crop largely dodged the worst of the scorching temperatures due to timely harvesting, concerns linger about the broader impact on agricultural supply chains.

Studies reveal a concerning trend: a cold winter followed by a hot spring can slash wheat yields by up to 20%, posing significant challenges to India's status as one of the world's largest wheat producers and consumers. The effects of climate change, including unseasonal rains and hailstorms, further compound these risks, disrupting food production and distribution.

As temperatures soar, so do the risks of spoilage. Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are particularly vulnerable, with inadequate cold storage facilities exacerbating the problem. Even your morning cup of coffee isn't immune, with India's robusta coffee prices skyrocketing due to supply shortages caused by adverse weather conditions.

Experts warn that climate change will only intensify these challenges, leading to price spikes, food insecurity, and economic vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, agricultural practices must adapt to the changing climate, emphasizing crop diversification and resilience.

While the government has initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in place to promote climate-resilient farming, concerted global efforts are needed to address the twin crises of inflation and global warming. As we brace ourselves for the impact of these challenges, sustainable agriculture remains our best bet for securing a resilient and sustainable future.

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