Global warming is described as an increase in global temperature caused by a combination of natural and human-caused factors. Global warming and climate change have become one of the most critical challenges in the world today. Globally, the negative effects of climate change may be seen in every sector, including social, economic, and natural. Climate change has a significant impact on agriculture, which affects food security directly or indirectly. Fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal, deforestation, and agricultural output are all key contributors to climate change. Agriculture is responsible for at least 20% of environmental damage, according to the IPCC. Agriculture emits roughly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EEA (2011,2012), making it the fourth largest after energy production.

The following are the most significant effects of climate change in agriculture

a)      Loss of biodiversity

b)      Loss of organic matter

c)      Increment of acidity in a  soil

d)     Soil erosion

e)      Desertification

f)       Decrease in crop yield

g)      Infestation of pest and disease

h)      Increase in thermal stress

Excessive tillage during conventional tillage, along with crop residue removal or burning, not only increases soil erosion but also increases greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is both a cause and an effect of agriculture. Agriculture contributes to climate change as a result of anthropogenic activities such as conventional farming practices. Burning wheat and rice residues results in nutrient loss as well as harm to the environment and human health.

One of the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change is conservation agriculture. It can be used for any type of agricultural landscape or land usage. Conservation agriculture is a type of farming that minimizes soil disturbances, keeps soil cover maintained, and diversifies plant species. Conservation agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of climate change, thereby protecting the environment.

The major principles of conservation agriculture are as follows

1)      Permanent soil organic cover

Crop leftovers or cover crops are cultivated to add organic matter to the soil and to prevent erosion and deterioration.

2) Minimum soil disturbance

Tillage is reduced throughout all agricultural operations, such as ploughing , harrowing, and so on, by using direct sowing or fertilizer placement. Minimum tillage minimizes the amount of energy used by agricultural machines.

3) Crop diversification

It is the cultivation of multiple species in a single agriculture farm through crop rotation. Crop diversification will aid in the fight against climate change by boosting water storage capacity, enhancing soil fertility, reducing disease transmission, and increasing yield stability.

The following are some of the major benefits of conservation agriculture in terms of climate change.

a)      Improvement of soil structure

b)      Reduction of soil and water erosion

c)      Reduction of drought stress

d)     Increment of organic matter content

e)      Higher and stable yield