Middle East excels in agriculture for climate adaptability

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, an expert discussed how the Middle East has developed effective agricultural practices to adapt to climate change. Nilianjan Ghosh, from the Observer Research Foundation, highlighted countries like Israel and Jordan for their innovative methods. He noted that these farmers have adjusted to dry conditions and focus on crops that require less water. Ghosh explained the concept of water budgeting, which helps manage water use carefully. He mentioned that using less water not only conserves this precious resource but also benefits the environment. By shifting to crops that consume less water, the leftover water can support ecosystems and improve soil health. This approach also leads to healthier food production and increases farmers' incomes. He referenced a study in India where improved water management methods increased farmers' incomes by nearly 25%. Ghosh emphasized the need for governmental incentives to encourage farmers to adopt such sustainable practices. He pointed out that increases in minimum support prices for water-intensive crops have led to a significant rise in their cultivation. While the Indian government is promoting the growth of low-water crops like millets, experts warned that it may take years to see the impacts of these policy changes. The panel also discussed climate financing, with Lise Breuil from Agence Francaise de Developpment stressing the need for both public and private investment. She stated that investing in resilience today can prevent greater costs in the future.