Survey on the Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth Patterns in Indian Agriculture

Abstract: Climate change has emerged as a critical factor influencing plant growth patterns and agricultural productivity in India. This study investigates the impact of rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing CO₂ concentrations on major staple crops—rice, wheat, and maize—across five key agricultural states: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The research employs a quantitative approach using historical climate and yield data (2001-2021) sourced from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was applied to assess the relationship between climate variables (temperature, rainfall, CO₂ levels) and crop performance indicators (yield, growth duration, and phenological changes). The results highlight a consistent increase in temperature (2.3°C to 2.5°C) and a decline in rainfall (95-140 mm) over 20 years, leading to shortened crop growth cycles and declining yields. A negative correlation (-0.78 to -0.85) between rising temperatures and crop productivity was observed, with wheat in Punjab experiencing the highest decline. Additionally, CO₂ levels increased from 375 ppm to 420 ppm, yet crop yields continued to decline, indicating that heat stress and moisture deficits outweigh the potential benefits of CO₂ fertilization. This study fills a crucial literature gap by providing crop-specific, empirical insights into how climate stressors alter plant growth. The findings emphasize the urgent need for climate-resilient crop varieties, precision irrigation techniques, early warning systems, and policy-driven adaptation strategies to safeguard food security. Future research should focus on micro-climate variability, genetic adaptability, and economic models for sustainable climate adaptation.