Droughts, floods, and impacts of monsoons affect farmers in India

The International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University is partnering with Indian government agencies and universities in an innovative new research effort led by the government of India designed to improve monsoon forecasts and develop strategies that help farmers and policy makers prepare and act early, based on information tailored to their needs.

In the feature story "Living with an Uncertain Monsoon: IRI's work to benefit farmers in India," Esther Conrad of IRI discusses the human and economic costs associated with monsoons, particularly growing concerns over the potential for climate change to increase extreme weather patterns and seriously impact the agricultural sector and India's overall economic growth. To help address these concerns, the IRI will work with scientists and experts in India to identify specific climate-related agricultural risks that farmers contend with, and the kinds of decision options that farmers and local officials have, such as adjusting availability of seeds, fertilizer and other inputs. This information will help guide the climate science, agriculture and policy research aspects of the project.

IRI was established as a cooperative agreement between NOAA's Climate Program Office and Columbia University. It is part of The Earth Institute at Columbia University. IRI helps stakeholder groups from global to local scales better manage climate related risks and opportunities, through the best use of scientific knowledge and information.