Global climate change is a big challenge in various aspects of life, especially in the agricultural sector. One of the most significant impacts seen is changes in rainfall patterns. Rising temperatures and climate change cause uncertainty in rainfall patterns, which can result in droughts in some areas and flooding in others. As a result, farmers experience difficulties in planning planting and harvesting, which threatens global food security. In terms of temperature, increasing average temperatures can change the growth time of plants. Many plants require certain temperatures to grow optimally. When temperatures exceed this threshold, crop yields can decrease drastically. For example, rice and corn are very sensitive to high temperatures. Research shows that every one degree Celsius increase in global average temperature can reduce rice yields by up to 10%. In addition, climate change has the potential to increase pest and disease attacks. With warmer temperatures and different humidity, the environment becomes more favorable for pests and diseases that were previously uncommon in certain areas. This increases costs for farmers because they have to find ways to control this infestation, often using pesticides that can damage the ecosystem. The impacts of climate change also include a decrease in soil fertility. Agricultural intensification and climate change can result in soil degradation, making organic matter disappear and reducing efficiency in water absorption. Less fertile soil cannot support vigorous plant growth, affecting crop yields. In addition, phenomena such as melting polar ice caps can cause sea levels to rise, which pollute farmland and watercourses with salt, making the land unfit for growing crops. Adaptation is key for farmers facing the impacts of climate change. Some of the strategies implemented include using plant varieties that are resistant to extreme conditions, such as resistance to pest infections or drought. In addition, good agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, efficient water management, and the use of organic fertilizers can increase soil and plant resilience. Technology involvement is also increasingly important. The use of sensors to monitor soil conditions, weather, and the use of water-saving irrigation technology can help farmers face the challenges arising from climate change. Accurate weather and climate-related information can help in making more informed decisions for agricultural activities. As a long-term step, the development of policies and programs that support sustainable agriculture needs to be encouraged. Governments and non-governmental organizations must work together to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and the importance of environmentally friendly agricultural practices. With joint efforts, it is hoped that agriculture can be more resilient in facing the challenges posed by global climate change.
