Climate change and agricultural sustainability in Haryana: Trends, impacts and adaptive strategies

Abstract

Haryana’s agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate variability, rising temperatures and groundwater depletion. Over 2000-2023, the state recorded warming of about +0.5 °C in maximum and +1.0 °C in minimum temperatures, erratic monsoon rainfall and recurring drought years such as 2002, 2009 and 2019. These trends have stressed the rice-wheat system that underpins food security, elevating irrigation demand and energy use. Adaptation pathways-heat-tolerant crop varieties, early sowing, micro-irrigation, crop diversification and climate services-are vital to sustain productivity. Integrated policies through Haryana SAPCC and national missions can align agronomy, water and markets to secure resilient, low-carbon agricultural growth under a changing climate.