Impact of Climate Change on Vegetable Production and Adaptation Measures

Abstract

Climate change influences vegetable production worldwide. However, its nature and impact vary, depending on the degree of climate change, geographical region, and crop production system. Possible impact of climate change may be visualized by change in productivity with reference to quality of crops; changes in agricultural practices like use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides; and environmental influences particularly in relation to the frequency and intensity of soil drainage which may lead to loss of nitrogen through leaching, soil erosion, and reduction of crop diversity. Vegetables are in general more sensitive to environmental extremes such as high temperatures and soil moisture stress. CO2 , a major greenhouse gas, influences growth and development as well as incidence of insect pests and diseases of vegetable crops. Under changing climatic situations, crop failures, shortage of yields, reduction in quality, and increasing pest and disease problems are common, and they render the vegetable cultivation unprofitable. Agriculture production needs to be adapted to the changing climate by mitigating its impact. Unless measures are undertaken to adapt to the effects of climate change on vegetable production, nutritional security in developing countries will be under threat.