Climate Change Devastates Cotton Farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra

Over half of cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra have faced major crop loss due to climate-induced floods and droughts. A survey by IIED and AIDMI highlighted increased climate threats like extreme heat and dry spells. Despite some government support, farmers still struggle, with many resorting to drastic measures to cope.

Over half of the cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra have suffered significant crop losses due to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts in the last five years, according to a new report.

The survey, conducted by the UK-based International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in collaboration with the All-India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI), revealed that approximately two-thirds of the 360 farmers surveyed are experiencing longer dry spells, higher average temperatures, and more days of extreme heat.

Conducted in September 2023, the survey covered cotton farmers equally split between Surendranagar district in Gujarat and Sambhaji Nagar district in Maharashtra. Most farmers were landowners, with the majority holding less than 10 acres of land. Despite India being the largest global producer of cotton, producing around 5.84 million metric tonnes in 2023, climate change poses a significant risk to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women, and threatens the global textile supply chain.

Research indicates that the western and central regions of India are more prone to drought-like conditions, whereas the northern and northeastern regions face extreme flood events. This climate crisis is compromising smallholder cotton farmers' livelihoods, putting millions at risk.

Laura Kelly, director of IIED's Shaping Sustainable Markets team, stated, "Climate change is turning into a nightmare for farmers everywhere, and India's cotton growers are no exception." While some government programs and insurance schemes exist, they are not well-known and may not offer comprehensive support. Farmers are coping by diversifying crops, taking loans for resources like irrigation, or dipping into savings.

These measures are often insufficient, leading some to sell land or livestock, or even cut back on essential expenses like healthcare and food. When it comes to insurance, about two-thirds have crop insurance, but other forms like health and livestock insurance are less common. One-third of those surveyed reported no access to government programs, likely due to a lack of awareness.

(With inputs from agencies.)