The impact of climate change on vegetable production Tazeem Fatma Jafri1,*, Hussain Khursheed1, Kumar Anil2, Narayan Sumati1, Faruk Mohd3, Totawar Harshavardhan M.1, Arizoo1, Jaryal Sonika4 1Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar 2Division of Vegetable Science, ANDUATAyodhya, UP 3Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi 4Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K *Corresponding Author: tazeemraza01@skuastkashmir.ac.in
Online published on 9 November, 2023. Abstract Climate change is causing notable consequences for the cultivation of vegetables. It is leading to alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns, which subsequently affects the growth and output of vegetable crops. These changes can result in both favorable and adverse outcomes, contingent on specific circumstances and the implementation of adaptation strategies. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and storms are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. These events can inflict damage on crops, disrupt planting schedules and reduce overall vegetable production. Additionally, elevated temperatures can adversely affect the quality of vegetables by impacting their taste, texture, and nutritional composition. Variations in rainfall can cause soil waterlogging and drought, which, in turn, can trigger root diseases and nutrient deficiencies. Prolonged droughts can stifle growth and reduce crop yields. Increasing temperatures and erratic climate patterns intensify the threat of pests and diseases, leading to increased pesticide usage, elevated production expenses and potential declines in yield and quality. Shortages of water resources and declines in biodiversity can impact both crops and overall agricultural productivity. Climate change has significant effects on ecosystems, particularly concerning pollination services and their adverse impact on vegetable crops that rely on insect pollinators, resulting in reduced fruit set and lower yields. Addressing these challenges is essential for the sustainable future of vegetable production. Farmers and researchers are actively investigating adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on vegetable farming. These strategies include the development of crop varieties that can withstand drought and heat, enhanced irrigation methods, the adoption of agroforestry techniques and sustainable soil management practices. Precision agricultural technology, along with the use of greenhouses and controlled-environment farming, offers consistent growth conditions for vegetables. Top Keywords Climate changes, Crop quality, Fruit set, Vegetable production, Precision farming. Top |