Rajat Prajapati, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Agricultural Engineering (SWCE),
Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology
School of Engineering and Technology
Nagaland University, Meriema, Kohima, 797004.


Background:
Indian agriculture is at very important point in 2025. The weather is becoming worse. Irregular monsoons, higher temperatures, and soil erosion put the country's food security and the livelihoods of people in rural areas at risk. The India Meteorological Department says that drought-stricken areas are getting greater, especially in places that weren't as vulnerable earlier, like the Northeast [India Today NE, 2025]. It is crucial for farmers to start implementing sustainable and climate-resilient practices such as agroforestry, precision farming, and water-saving techniques. By using advanced technology and creative methods, farmers can adjust to the changing climate and secure food availability for the future. The Engineering and Technology School of Nagaland University is at the forefront of research and development in this area, working to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to farm smart about climate. With their expertise and support, Indian agriculture can thrive even in adverse situations such as extreme weather events and natural disasters.

To address these pressing issues, specific examples of climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry, precision farming, and water-saving techniques are essential for environmental protection, fostering resilient rural development, and enhancing farmers' incomes. [1] Additionally, these practices can also help reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture, contributing to overall efforts to combat climate change.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a way to reach three goals that are all connected:
  • Make farming more productive in a way that lasts, so that everyone has enough to eat.
  • Make it easier to deal with climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and insect outbreaks.
  • Stop or cut back on emitting greenhouse gases to help slow down climate change.
CSA is more than simply habits; it also includes technology, policy, and community involvement that are specific to the local agroecological conditions to have the most impact [Asia Foundation, 2024]. [2]

National and Regional Success Stories
  • Villages in Andhra Pradesh that are good at predicting the weather: The CSA is active in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The "Towards Climate-Smart Villages" program encourages the use of tank silt to fix damaged soils, agroforestry to increase biodiversity, and good manure management to make soils more nutritious. This program helps vulnerable small-scale farmers and households led by women. More than 800 people have benefited from it. They now have superior crop yields, more diverse sources of income, and are better able to withstand changes in the weather [Asia Foundation, 2024]. [2]
  • Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are getting support from AI technology: Advanced AI tools are helping people in Punjab and Haryana's wheat and corn areas cultivate in innovative ways. By getting real-time information on the weather, soil moisture, and pest activity, farmers can get the most out of their pesticides and irrigation. They can save 15–20% on inputs and boost their yields by up to 25% using this [Farmonaut, 2025]. [3]
  • New ways to manage water in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh: People in dry areas like Rajasthan and eastern Uttar Pradesh have improved water usage through micro-irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems, along with reintroducing rainwater harvesting. Laser field leveling and pond rejuvenation have made it possible to water each hectare more often. This has made crops more diverse and increased yields by as much as 48%. Farmers may make a lot more money with these water-saving techniques [IARI, 2025]. [4] The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) can save up to 40% of water, boost yields by 20–25%, and cut down on methane emissions in areas where rice is grown. This is helpful for the environment and for food security [Farmonaut, 2025]. [5] Farmers in Rajasthan and Maharashtra say they can still cultivate millets like pearl and finger millet, which can endure variations in the weather and dry spells. This has brought them back into the public eye [Farmonaut, 2025]. [5] People are strongly advocating for water-saving technology like micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting to deal with the growing water stress and protect jobs in this area that is sensitive to the environment.

Northeast India is in the headlines for its own problems and chances.
Northeast India has weak ecosystems and farming that depends on rain. The weather is changing, and there are more droughts [India Today NE, 2025]. The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeast Region (MOVCDNER) helps organic farming groups that use biofertilizers and organic pesticides to make the soil healthier and help farmers make more money. It also offers communities more power [PIB, 2025]. [6][1]

Assam is using new ways to deal with climate change that work with the area's needs, such as using drones to monitor crops, soil health cards, and climate risk insurance schemes [Just Agriculture, 2025]. [7] The initiatives to promote organic and climate-smart farming in Northeast India are also discussed by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.[6]

Role of Women and Young People in Making Their Communities Stronger
Young individuals run Agri-tech companies that offer drone services and data analytics that enable market connections and the practice of precision farming, which involves optimizing crop production through detailed monitoring and management. Self-help groups (SHGs) for women make herbal and organic fertilizers, set up Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) that help small farmers have more power in the market and keep their income steady, and work on ecotourism projects [Asia Foundation, 2024]. [2]

The Best Things to Do for the Environment in 2025
  • Using accurate inputs and lowering risk
  • Using water more efficiently and getting better yields
  • Soil that is healthier and more fruitful
  • Help with biodiversity and controlling microclimates
Top 5 Climate-Smart Practices for 2025

Practice

Benefits

Millet-based Crop Diversification

Enhanced drought resilience & nutrition

AI-driven Weather & Soil Apps

Precision input use & risk reduction

Rainwater Harvesting & Drip Irrigation

Efficient water use & yield increase

Composting & Biofertilizers

Improved soil fertility & ecological health

Agroforestry & Mixed Farming

Biodiversity support & microclimate regulation

A rural India that can handle climate change by 2030 requires preserving policies that promote sustainable practices, providing extension services for embracing new technologies, and implementing community-led initiatives to ensure inclusive development and resilience against climate change challenges.

It is also crucial to preserve policies that promote sustainable practices. Additionally, providing extension services that facilitate the adoption of new technologies is essential. Implementing community-led initiatives is also vital to ensure that no farmer is left behind. India wants its rural areas to be digitally advanced, able to handle climate shocks, and able to compete with other countries by 2030, all while protecting its unique biological heritage.

Conclusion:
Sustainable agriculture is not just a choice but a responsibility for securing a prosperous future. It requires collective action, innovative ideas, and a deep respect for nature to nurture a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Farming is more than just growing food. It strengthens people, produces green wealth, and protects the future of millions of rural families. For a better future, climate-smart and sustainable farming is not an option; it is a duty. We have planted the seeds; now we need to care for them with new ideas, working together, and a real regard for nature.

As we look ahead to the future of farming in India, it is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our farmers and rural communities. By investing in digital infrastructure, climate-resilient practices, and sustainable agriculture, we can ensure that no farmer is left behind in this rapidly changing world. It is not just about producing food. It is also about empowering individuals, creating economic opportunities, and preserving our natural resources for future generations. Together, we can cultivate a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

References
  • India Today NE. (2025). Shifting Geography of Drought and Its Impacts in Northeast India. [1]
  • Asia Foundation. (2024). India’s Experience with Climate-Smart Agriculture. [2]
  • Farmonaut. (2025). Impact of Climate Tech on Farming in India. [3]
  • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). (2025). Water Management Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture. [4]
  • Farmonaut. (2025). Eco-Friendly Farming in India: 7 Powerful Methods for 2025. [5]
  • Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. (2025). Initiatives to Promote Organic and Climate-Smart Farming in Northeast India. [6]
  • Just Agriculture. (2025). Farming in the Face of Climate Change: Assam’s Adaptation Strategies. [7]