Climate Change and its Impact on Pests of Dryland Crops

Climate change significantly impacts agricultural systems, particularly in dryland regions of India, where rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are reshaping pest dynamics. This review investigates the effects of climate change on pest populations, their distribution, and the subsequent implications for crop yields. Evidence indicates that warmer temperatures can increase pest survival rates by 15-25% and accelerate their development, potentially allowing multiple generations within a single growing season. As a result, pest populations in India have expanded geographically by approximately 10-20%, affecting key dryland crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and groundnut. Crop yields are projected to decline by 10-30%, with significant economic repercussions, including a 10-20% reduction in agricultural GDP. This review also emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), to mitigate these challenges and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.