A Comprehensive Review of Climate-Smart Farming Strategies in Rural Haryana for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Agriculture in Haryana is central to regional food security and rural livelihoods, yet it faces increasing pressure from climate variability, groundwater depletion, declining soil quality, and resource-intensive farming practices. Increasing temperatures, erratic precipitation, and a propensity for severe weather are intensifying production risks while accelerating environmental degradation. Under these changing conditions, Climate-Aware Farming provides a practical pathway to improve productivity, enhance adaptability and minimize agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. This review evaluates climate-smart farming strategies suitable for rural Haryana by synthesizing scientific literature and policy initiatives. It examines the potential of crop diversification, conservation agriculture, residue management, agroforestry, combined cattle and crops systems, and efficient water and nutrient control to strengthen climate resilience and resource sustainability. The importance of soil organic carbon restoration, micro-irrigation technologies, weather-based agro-advisories, and climate-resilient crop varieties in improving adaptive capacity and input efficiency is also highlighted. State initiatives such as climate action planning, climate-smart village programs, crop residue management interventions, and promotion of water-efficient irrigation systems and agroforestry reflect growing institutional commitment toward climate-resilient agriculture. Adoption of Climate-Aware Farming practices offers multiple benefits, including increased resilience to climate shocks, better income stability, lower farming costs, and healthier soil.