Lucknow, Nov 3 Experts and academics at a climate summit here on Tuesday called for an integrated, science-based approach to tackle groundwater depletion, declining soil health, erratic monsoon patterns and rising energy demands, warning that these interconnected challenges threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
They also stressed the need to promote regenerative agriculture, solar energy, region-specific water conservation measures and better climate forecasting to strengthen the resilience of farming communities.
The remarks came at the Regional Rural-India Summit on Regenerative Agriculture, Water and Energy for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Lucknow, organised jointly by IIT Kanpur, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Prof Joachim von Braun, president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, said the climate crisis was already upon us and required urgent action.
“We need a sense of urgency because the climate crisis is already upon us. Science needs greater support to identify both local and global solutions.
In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, regenerative agriculture, promoted through incentives for farmers, is central to building resilience. Clean energy, particularly solar power, is also key, including agrivoltaics. We must also help outdoor workers cope with heat shocks,” he said.
Prof Sachchida Nand Tripathi, dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, said the Indo-Gangetic Plains were central to India’s food security and rural economy but faced interconnected challenges arising from declining soil health, groundwater depletion, climate variability and growing energy demands.
“Addressing these challenges requires us to move beyond isolated interventions towards integrated, science-based and scalable solutions,” he said, calling for the integration of scientific knowledge, policy perspectives, traditional wisdom and community-led practices to advance regenerative agriculture and strengthen water and energy security.
He also stressed the role of young people and local institutions in translating recommendations into action.
IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal said that despite fertile land, the region continued to face challenges such as shrinking landholdings, depleting water resources, and pest and disease management, which affected crop yields and rural incomes.
He said the partnership with the two pontifical academies was aimed at translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers, particularly in rain-fed regions, to promote resilient and sustainable rural growth.
The discussions also focused on the impact of monsoon variability on agricultural systems, particularly its implications for sowing schedules, irrigation requirements and crop yields in Uttar Pradesh. Experts underlined the importance of climate modelling, improved forecasts and integrating climate information into agricultural planning and water management.
Another session examined regenerative farming practices aimed at improving soil health, water retention and groundwater recharge.
The role of mayors and district administrators in building agricultural resilience was also discussed, with specific references to groundwater restoration in Banda through bunds, ponds and soak pits, and integrated water and land management in the Ganga Basin. Participants also discussed measures to address heat stress, conserve water and encourage crop diversification.
The summit further examined the links between climate change and public health, including risks arising from extreme heat, air quality and water-related events.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said the state needed to address agricultural challenges through scientific research and region-specific interventions.
State Minister for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing and Agricultural Exports Dinesh Pratap Singh said shrinking landholdings and growing agricultural demands made it necessary to move beyond traditional farming practices and adopt scientific research, modern technologies and agricultural diversification.
He said horticulture, food processing and improved market linkages offered opportunities to enhance farmers’ incomes and maximise returns from limited land resources.
Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Minister of State Jayendra Pratap Singh Rathore called for sustainable agricultural practices, protection of soil and water resources and greater adoption of clean energy.
He said development and infrastructure growth must go hand in hand with environmental conservation, guided by scientific evidence and innovation to maintain ecological balance for future generations.
The two-day summit, being coordinated through IIT Kanpur’s Kotak School of Sustainability, has brought together policymakers, scientists, administrators and practitioners to deliberate on climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainable rural development, with a particular focus on Uttar Pradesh.
(PTI News)
