Overcoming Barriers to Climate-Smart Agriculture in India

The adoption of climate-smart agriculture in India faces significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of awareness and financial barriers. Experts at the Sustainability Conclave 2026 emphasized the need for improved knowledge dissemination and access to financing for farmers. Despite the potential benefits of clean technologies, high upfront costs deter many from making the switch. The conclave aims to foster discussions on actionable solutions for a sustainable future, with a focus on reducing agricultural emissions and enhancing citizen participation in sustainability efforts. Join us as we delve into the insights shared by industry leaders and policymakers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 19:17 IST

Challenges in Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture

Abhishek Jain, the Director of Green Economy and Impact Innovations at CEEW, highlighted that a lack of awareness and insufficient capacity building are significant obstacles to the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. Speaking at the Sustainability Conclave 2026, themed "India 2035: A Self-Reliant Nation," he emphasized the necessity for enhanced knowledge dissemination at the grassroots level. Jain pointed out that one of the primary challenges in implementing climate-smart agriculture is ensuring farmers have access to accurate information.

He also addressed the financial barriers that hinder farmers from adopting clean technologies, such as solar irrigation systems. Although these innovations can greatly decrease diesel usage and emissions, their high initial costs remain a significant hurdle, even with government subsidies. "Technological advancements are often limited by financial constraints. Farmers frequently lack the capital to invest in solar pumps, even when subsidies are available. They require a compelling economic incentive to invest, especially as diesel prices continue to rise. Access to financing and effective knowledge dissemination are essential to promote climate-smart agriculture on a larger scale," Jain stated.

Kaushal Bisht, Director of Partnerships & Strategic Alliances at Varaha, echoed the call for sustainable farming methods, underscoring the need to minimize agricultural emissions. "Implementing smart agricultural practices is crucial to reducing harmful emissions that impact the environment," Bisht remarked.

About The Conclave

The Adani Presents Sustainability Conclave 2026, co-powered by MAHATRANSCO, aims to gather leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders in India's sustainability mission to develop actionable solutions for a sustainable future by 2035 and beyond. Shri Prahlad Joshi, the Union Cabinet Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, will be the Chief Guest, reaffirming the government's dedication to clean energy and self-reliance. The conclave seeks to shift the national dialogue from mere commitments to actionable execution, focusing on scaling solutions, enabling financing, strengthening policy frameworks, and fostering citizen engagement in India's sustainability efforts.