Climate Change Boosts Pests, Threatening Crop Yields

In a world facing warming temperatures and increased precipitation, pests are multiplying at an alarming rate, posing a severe threat to crop yields. Southern Indian tea planters are witnessing a surge in tea mosquito bug infestations, which traditionally were confined to low elevations, now also appearing in higher terrains. This shift has halved tea production in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai hills over a decade. New pesticides, though seen as a potential remedy, may only offer short-term relief. As these pests expand their territories due to climate changes, they’re inflicting more damage than ever before.

In regions like Rajasthan’s Alwar district, farmers battle both traditional and novel pests. Changed rainfall patterns, associated with climate change, are altering the behavior of pests. Increased rainfall has also extended the stay of locust swarms in India, leading to widespread crop damage. Rising carbon dioxide levels, another climate change consequence, are set to intensify the situation further by making plants more susceptible to insect attacks.

Adapting to these challenges will be paramount. Pesticides’ efficacy is dropping with rising temperatures, while increasing their use can toxify the land and degrade soil quality. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, these increasing pest threats jeopardize the goal of boosting global food production by 50% by 2050. If left unchecked, these escalated pest attacks could endanger our critical food supply and overall yield.