Heat Waves and Its Impact on Crop Production and Mitigation Techniques: A Review

Abstract

Globally, heat waves are getting worse and more common. India experienced its warmest March and April on record, with maximum and minimum temperatures unusually rising in most of the nation. In 10 out of the 36 meteorological subdivisions during this time, the extreme temperatures were found to be higher by +8 to +10.8°C and the rainfall lower by -60 to -99 percent, respectively, compared to normal. Additionally, 2022 will be remembered as a prime example of the combined effects of high temperatures and low rainfall on agricultural production systems, particularly in northern and central India. Climate variability and change have an impact on India's agricultural production. In the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, abnormally high maximum and minimum temperatures in 2022 had an impact on livestock, crops, and fruits and vegetables. Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, as well as Jammu and Kashmir. The heat wave coincided with the wheat crop's grain filling and development stage, causing the grain to yellow and shrivel, forcing it to mature, and lowering yields by 15 to 25 percent. A variety of technologies are available to reduce the yield loss in wheat caused by a heat wave, and some of them have been implemented on farmer fields. As compared to the local variety HD-3086, several heat-tolerant wheat varieties, including PBW 803, DBW 187, and DBW 222, can withstand high temperatures while still producing normal yields.