Climate-proof crops: India’s answer to malnutrition and climate change

Malnutrition affects millions worldwide. Find out how 'climate-proof plants' can help to prevent it in India.

By Ground Report 13 Nov 2023

New Update

Climate-proof crops: India’s answer to malnutrition and climate change

Climate change worldwide affects the agriculture sector. Now, changes in rainfall patterns, floods, extreme heat waves and droughts have become the norm, destroying standing crops. Acute malnutrition clouds have started hovering in Asia, including India, after African countries.

Malnutrition is a global issue that affects millions of people, particularly in developing countries. It is a result of consuming a diet lacking in essential nutrients, leading to health problems like stunted growth in children, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The problem is further exacerbated by climate change, which threatens agricultural productivity and the availability of nutritious food.

Climate-proof plants

However, the advent of ‘climate-proof plants’ offers a beacon of hope. These plants are being developed to withstand extreme weather conditions - be it drought, floods, or high temperatures - ensuring a steady supply of food even in adverse climates.

Scientists have been researching new techniques to protect plants from environmental effects in order to deal with this situation for many years.

A study published in late October in the prestigious journal Science reveals scientists' discovery of a special barrier in plant roots, called the "lignin barrier." This barrier relates to dye reagent protein complexes (DR) in the endodermis of plant roots that control the uptake and release of water and other nutrients.

The research of the scientists at the University of Nottingham a promises to reduce malnutrition in the future because it will be possible to protect crops from the effects of drought through genetic engineering.

Revolutionizing agriculture through genetic engineering

Gabriel Castrillo states that to understand his research, you must first understand the plant roots' function. He explains that plant roots serve two functions - they absorb water and nutrients from the soil and transport them to the plant's stems and leaves. The entire process takes place through a very thin root layer known as the endodermis.

He said that these endoderms contain a barrier called a lignin barrier that stops the unregulated outflow of water and nutrients from the roots. His team comprehended this technique and it led them to the idea that genetic engineering could fully manipulate the absorption and intake of water and other components by the plant roots, with dye-reagent protein complexes playing a vital role.

Gabriel explains that using the information from his research to modify the genetics of plants will enable the growth of crops that can withstand the effects of extreme weather with less water and fertilizer usage. This way, he can control the malnutrition situation caused by environmental changes.

One such initiative is the cultivation of nutrient-dense, climate-smart crops such as millet. These hardy crops, often neglected and underutilized, are fundamental to improving dietary and production diversity. They are not only resistant to harsh weather conditions but are also rich in essential nutrients, making them an ideal solution to combat malnutrition and ensure food security in the face of climate change.

However, the successful implementation of this solution requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Policymakers need to create supportive policies and provide incentives for farmers to cultivate these crops. Research institutions need to continue their work in developing more resilient and nutritious crop varieties. Lastly, awareness needs to be raised among consumers about the nutritional benefits of these crops, to drive demand and ensure their acceptance.

Future of malnutrition and Climate-proof crops in India

India, a country with a rich agricultural heritage, is grappling with the dual challenge of malnutrition and climate change. However, the advent of ‘climate-proof plants’ offers a promising solution to these pressing issues.

Malnutrition is a pervasive issue in India, affecting millions of people, particularly in vulnerable communities. Concurrently, climate change threatens agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition.

However, the development of ‘climate-proof plants’ shines as a beacon of hope. Developers are creating these plants to resist extreme weather conditions - from drought and floods to high temperatures - to ensure a steady food supply even in adverse climates.

The cultivation of these ‘climate-proof plants’ also aligns with the global shift towards sustainable agriculture. Traditional farming practices often contribute to environmental degradation through deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the cultivation of climate-resilient crops can reduce environmental impact, promote biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

What is being done in this regard in India?

In India, several initiatives are underway to develop and promote ‘climate-proof plants’ to combat malnutrition and climate change. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched 35 crop varieties that are resilient to climate change and have high nutritional content. These crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), include a drought-tolerant variety of chickpea, wilt and sterility mosaic resistant pigeonpea, early maturing variety of soybean, disease-resistant varieties of rice, and biofortified varieties of wheat, pearl millet, maize, and chickpea.

Communities across India are also reviving traditional crops and embracing nature-based solutions using their traditional wisdom. These crops are not only resilient to harsh weather conditions but are also rich in essential nutrients.

Furthermore, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) was launched under ICAR in 2011. NICRA aims to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change and climate vulnerability through strategic research and technology demonstration.

Indigenous farmers are also using several techniques to reduce climate-driven crop failure such as the use of drought-tolerant local varieties, polyculture, agro-forestry, water harvesting, and soil conservation.

These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to addressing the twin challenges of climate change and malnutrition, ensuring food and nutritional security for its growing population.