Kerala will establish a state-level monitoring unit to coordinate its response to climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources and local ecosystems, after the state reported a 28% rainfall deficit and temperature increases of up to two degrees Celsius in some areas.
The decision was taken at a ministerial meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T Siddique in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. The proposed unit will bring together various government departments, the state disaster management authority and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, or NABARD.
The government will also prepare short- and long-term plans to address climate-related risks and coordinate existing funding sources for more effective implementation. The action plan will include water conservation, canal and pond restoration, water management systems, drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and the construction of water storage wells.
Measures to expand green cover in agricultural areas will form part of the plan. According to the government, planting and maintaining vegetation can help retain soil moisture and reduce the impact of direct sunlight on crops. Siddique said climate change was creating serious challenges for land, agriculture and crops, and directed departments to coordinate their funds and resources while preparing an action plan at the earliest.
District-level meetings chaired by collectors will assess climate-related challenges and identify projects suited to local conditions. Local self-government institutions will prepare and implement plans at the panchayat level, while progress will be reviewed periodically by the state government.
The government will examine special measures for Kuttanad, which faces significant climate-related challenges. Siddique said further discussions would be held with the water resources and revenue ministers to formulate a dedicated mission for the region.
Siddique said Kerala was facing the possibility of rising temperatures and water scarcity in the coming years and stressed the need for urgent action to conserve water and maintain soil moisture. The rainfall deficit and reported temperature increase were cited at the meeting as immediate reasons for strengthening interventions.
Local Self-Government Minister K M Shaji said climate change was affecting natural ecosystems as well as agriculture. He called for stronger initiatives by local bodies to protect natural drainage channels and restore water sources through waste management and cleaning activities.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph called for better coordination among departments to improve the effectiveness of projects. He sought time-bound measures covering water conservation, flood prevention, drainage, bund protection and agricultural calendars, and assured support from his department.
Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar said long-term interventions were necessary to address agricultural challenges following the 2018 floods and subsequent climate-related disasters. He stressed the need to protect natural waterways and water bodies, use agricultural development funds effectively and consider necessary legal amendments. The next steps are the preparation of the state action plan, district-level assessments and consultations on a dedicated Kuttanad mission.
