Authors: Jyoti Gaira, Aarya Wadaskar

ABSTRACT

One of the biggest environmental issues the world is currently experiencing is climate change, and India is particularly vulnerable due to its varied agro-climatic conditions and heavy reliance on climate-sensitive industries. Climate change has been associated with a range of documented impacts on agriculture, water resources, forests and biodiversity, human health, and coastal systems, as well as rising temperature trends

Evidence from existing studies indicates that agricultural productivity is among the most affected sectors, as a large proportion of the Indian population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for livelihood and food security. Climate variability, combined with pressures such as rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, is placing increasing stress on India’s already vulnerable natural and social systems.

This review paper examines existing research on the effects of climate change on crop productivity and environmental systems in India. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and secondary data sources, the review summarizes major trends, regional differences, and key environmental impacts, while acknowledging that many reported relationships are associative rather than based on direct cause-and-effect evidence.

Keywords: Climate change, Crop productivity, Indian agriculture, Climate extremes, Monsoon
variability, Foodgrain production, Environmental impacts