Climate change is significantly impacting agricultural practices, particularly in tomato production. Farmers are facing rising temperatures which have led to decreased yields and increased costs. This article explores the various ways climate change has reshaped the landscape of tomato farming.
Farmers have reported experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C for over 45 days between March and May. This extreme heat has directly affected tomato yields, with one farmer noting a decrease from 70 tonnes per acre to just 40 tonnes per acre.
As temperatures rise, the costs associated with tomato production have skyrocketed. Farmers are forced to invest more in protective measures. Techniques such as drip irrigation and mulching are becoming essential, along with increased fungicide use to counteract heat-induced fungal attacks.
The retail price of tomatoes has surged to around Rs 70 per kilogram. This spike is attributed to lower-than-expected market arrivals and reduced supply, yet farmers are not significantly benefiting from these high prices due to the increased production costs and lower yields.
To cope with these challenges, some farmers are considering transitioning to more heat-tolerant crops like sugarcane. This shift reflects a broader trend of seeking resilience in the face of climate adversity.
Farmers are expressing a pressing need for heat-tolerant tomato varieties. Unfortunately, such options are currently lacking in the market, leaving many farmers vulnerable to the ongoing climate crisis.
The summer of 2024 has been recorded as one of the hottest, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). If these trends continue, the economic sustainability of tomato farming in certain regions may be jeopardized, potentially leading to changes in crop choices and impacting food supply chains.
Q1. How has climate change affected tomato production?
Answer: Climate change has led to increased temperatures, resulting in lower yields and higher production costs for tomato farmers.
Q2. What specific temperature changes have farmers observed?
Answer: Farmers have reported extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C for over 45 days in the critical growing months of March to May.
Q3. Why have production costs increased for tomato farmers?
Answer: Increased temperatures have forced farmers to invest in protective measures like irrigation and fungicides to combat heat-related issues.
Q4. Are farmers benefiting from the high tomato prices?
Answer: Despite high retail prices, farmers are struggling due to increased costs and lower yields, limiting their financial gains.
Q5. What solutions are farmers seeking to address climate challenges?
Answer: Farmers are looking for heat-tolerant tomato varieties, which are currently unavailable, to help adapt to changing climate conditions.
Question 1: What temperature did farmers report during the summer of 2024?
A) 30°C
B) 35°C
C) 40°C
D) 45°C
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: What has been a significant effect of climate change on tomato farmers?
A) Increased yields
B) Higher production costs
C) Lower market prices
D) More rainfall
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How much did one farmer's yield drop to in 2024?
A) 50 tonnes per acre
B) 70 tonnes per acre
C) 40 tonnes per acre
D) 100 tonnes per acre
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What crop are some farmers considering switching to due to climate change?
A) Wheat
B) Rice
C) Sugarcane
D) Cotton
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Why are farmers not benefiting from high tomato prices?
A) Increased yields
B) High production costs
C) Low demand
D) Government regulations
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is a pressing need expressed by farmers regarding tomato varieties?
A) High-yield varieties
B) Heat-tolerant varieties
C) Organic seeds
D) Hybrid varieties
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What organization reported the summer of 2024 as extremely hot?
A) WHO
B) IMD
C) FAO
D) NASA
Correct Answer: B
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