“In Uttar Pradesh, innovative training programs are equipping farmers with climate-resilient techniques to combat erratic weather and boost productivity. From drought-tolerant crops to water management, these initiatives aim to secure livelihoods and enhance food security. Supported by government and NGOs, farmers are adopting sustainable practices to thrive amidst climate challenges.”
Uttar Pradesh Farmers Gear Up for Climate-Smart Farming
In Uttar Pradesh, where agriculture employs over 50% of the population, climate change poses a severe threat with rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and frequent droughts. Recent initiatives in the state are addressing these challenges through targeted training programs designed to make farming climate-resilient. These programs, backed by the Indian government, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and NGOs like the S M Sehgal Foundation, are empowering farmers with modern techniques to adapt to shifting environmental conditions.
The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), launched by ICAR, has been pivotal in Uttar Pradesh. As of 2025, NICRA has expanded its reach to numerous villages in the state, focusing on vulnerable districts prone to climate risks. Farmers are trained in cultivating drought-tolerant crop varieties, such as millets and sorghum, which require less water and are resistant to heat stress. For instance, pearl millet hybrids, which mature early and resist multiple diseases, have been introduced in water-scarce regions like Bundelkhand, boosting yields by up to 15% compared to traditional crops.
Water management is a cornerstone of these training programs. In districts like Chitrakoot and Banda, farmers are learning in-situ soil moisture conservation techniques, such as crop residue mulching and broad bed furrow systems. These methods have increased soil water retention by 20%, reducing the impact of dry spells. The S M Sehgal Foundation has facilitated the construction of check dams and promoted drip irrigation, which has improved water use efficiency by 30% in pilot villages. Farmer Ram Prasad from Banda shared, “After training, I switched to drip irrigation. My water costs dropped, and my wheat yield increased despite low rainfall last year.”
Crop diversification is another focus area. Training sessions emphasize intercropping and agroforestry, which enhance biodiversity and soil fertility. In Lucknow and surrounding areas, farmers are integrating legumes with cereals, improving soil nitrogen levels by 10-15% while diversifying income sources. The promotion of non-traditional crops like millets has reduced dependency on water-intensive crops like rice, which saw a projected yield drop of 7% in rainfed areas due to climate variability, according to NICRA studies.
Women farmers are also at the forefront of these initiatives. In Jharkhand, bordering Uttar Pradesh, women-led Farmer Field Schools have inspired similar programs in UP. Over 500 women in Raebareli and Amethi have been trained as “Pashusakhis” (livestock friends), learning livestock management techniques that reduce pressure on grazing lands. These women are now advocating for climate-resilient practices, conducting night meetings and rallies to spread awareness. Manju Devi, a farmer from Raebareli, said, “Learning about multilayer farming has given us crops year-round, even during droughts. It’s changed our lives.”
The Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), has scaled up these efforts. KVKs, serving as knowledge hubs, have trained over 10,000 farmers in 2024-25 across the state, using mobile apps like PESTPREDICT-EMS to help identify pests and adopt eco-friendly pest management. The state’s Climate Resilience Cell, established in 2023, coordinates these programs, ensuring inter-departmental support. In 2024, the cell facilitated the distribution of 200 climate-resilient crop varieties, including wheat variety HI1665, suited for dry conditions, to farmers in 50 districts.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Small and marginal farmers, who make up 86% of UP’s farming community, often lack resources to adopt new technologies. Financial support through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has helped, insuring over 1.2 crore farmers in UP against climate-related crop losses in 2024. However, experts argue for more accessible credit and subsidies to scale up adoption. “Training is vital, but without affordable tools, many farmers struggle to implement what they learn,” noted Dr. Anil Kumar, an agronomist at KVK Lucknow.
The integration of indigenous knowledge is also gaining traction. In eastern UP, tribal communities’ traditional practices, such as mixed cropping and water harvesting, are being documented and incorporated into training modules. These methods have shown a 12% increase in yield stability in pilot projects. The state’s push for natural farming, inspired by initiatives in Bundelkhand, includes training on preparing natural fertilizers like jeevamrut, reducing chemical input costs by up to 25%.
As climate impacts intensify, Uttar Pradesh’s training programs are a beacon of hope. By equipping farmers with resilient practices, the state is not only safeguarding livelihoods but also contributing to India’s broader food security goals. The success of these initiatives hinges on continued investment, policy support, and community engagement to ensure farmers can adapt to an unpredictable climate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government data, and insights from agricultural organizations like ICAR and the S M Sehgal Foundation. Information is sourced from publicly available studies and news reports. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.