Despite various initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), gaps persist in policy implementation at the grassroots level. Challenges include inadequate financial incentives for small farmers, limited integration of climate-smart practices into mainstream agricultural policies, and weak market linkages for sustainable produce. There is also a lack of robust monitoring mechanisms to assess policy impact.
Bangladesh
While Bangladesh has adopted policies such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and Delta Plan 2100, implementation hurdles remain. Key gaps include insufficient focus on localized adaptation strategies, inadequate investment in climate-resilient seed varieties, and limited support for farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices. The absence of well-defined financial risk management mechanisms, such as effective crop insurance, further exacerbates vulnerabilities.
Pakistan
The National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) of Pakistan recognizes agriculture as a vulnerable sector, but gaps exist in implementation. Limited investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, insufficient extension services, and poor farmer access to weather advisories reduce adaptation capacity. The focus remains on short-term relief rather than long-term resilience, and financial barriers prevent small-scale farmers from adopting climate-smart practices.
Sri Lanka
The agricultural policies of Sri Lanka emphasize climate resilience, but gaps exist in implementation. The abrupt ban on synthetic fertilizers in 2021 without adequate preparation led to severe productivity losses, highlighting the need for a gradual transition to sustainable farming. Although the ban has been reversed, challenges persist in scaling up organic alternatives, improving farmer training, and ensuring long-term soil fertility management. Weak financial incentives for sustainable practices and inadequate extension services further hinder the adoption of climate-resilient agriculture.
