Question

How does weather and climate affect farming and agriculture?

Answer 1

Hint: Climate is a long-term average pattern of weather in a particular area while weather changes every hour, every day, every month, every year. Farming and agriculture are highly dependent on climatic conditions and weather patterns. Irregular rainfalls or adverse climate are hindrance to the food production and agriculture industry.

Complete answer:
Farming is the primary occupation of Indians. India is the second largest populated country in the world where a large proportion of the population feeds on grains. As a result untimely or excessive rain, scanty rains with lengthy dry spells, storm, heat and cold waves, flood, drought, high winds possess a great threat to the feeding capacity of the country. Weather patterns profoundly influence growth and development of crops, water and fertilizer requirements, the incidence of pests and diseases. Livestock is also affected by the weather for their food supplies and comfort zones. Marine life and the fishing industry also get disturbed due to changing atmospheric conditions. The Horticulture industry is severely affected due to rising temperatures that lead to bad colouration, reduced sugar content that further hurt apiculture.

Changes in temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, winds, humidity, precipitation have a direct impact on the quality and quantity of the yields. Due to global warming, the heat waves are persistent for longer periods affecting the seasonal patterns. Changes in climate patterns affect the agricultural ecosystem causing population movement and alterations in biodiversity. It also brings biological changes in livestock such as breeding, fertilization, and growing patterns of pastures.

Note:India is the second largest populated country and to feed such a bulk of the population is a great challenge. Some crops require heavy rainfall for their growth and development while for some it can cause potential damage. Any disturbance in climate and weather patterns affects the farm and agriculture production.