Contributed articles.

On top of a decade of exacerbated disaster loss, exceptional global heat, retreating ice and rising sea levels, humanity and our food security face a range of new and unprecedented hazards, such as megafires, extreme weather events, desert locust swarms of magnitudes previously unseen, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture underpins the livelihoods of over 2.5 billion people – most of them in low-income developing countries – and remains a key driver of development. At no other point in history has agriculture been faced with such an array of familiar and unfamiliar risks, interacting in a hyperconnected world and a precipitously changing landscape. And agriculture continues to absorb a disproportionate share of the damage and loss wrought by disasters. Their growing frequency and intensity, along with the systemic nature of risk, are upending people’s lives, devastating livelihoods, and jeopardizing our entire food system. This report makes a powerful case for investing in resilience and disaster risk reduction – especially data gathering and analysis for evidence informed action – to ensure agriculture’s crucial role in achieving the future we want.

This authoritative reference details more than 50 years of agricultural development in India, including the major transformation from traditional farming techniques to modern methods and the move towards environmentally friendly practices. This CD-ROM contains the entire 27-volume print edition in an easily searchable format as well as print versions of Overview: Volume 1 and Index: Volume 27. The latest "Agricultural Statistics at a Glance" study from the Ministry of Agriculture is also included.

This book shows how specifically each goal of Sustainable Development Goals could be incorporated in country wise developmental programmes set to transform the world. It highlights how a combination of initiatives on mitigation of disasters and a robust progress could build a resilient society. The book discusses multidimensional processes such as administrative, financial and social challenges which can mitigate disasters and help in an advancement towards SDG Goals. It highlights the embeddedness of SDGs in disaster mitigation as they tend to be linked and interdependent. By linking sustainable development to disaster mitigation one gets a strong justification for investment into preparedness as a guarantee or insurance against loss and damages due to unforeseen disasters.

Agricultural production is highly sensitive to weather and climate-related disasters such as drought, storm and flood. While it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of natural disasters, the resultant disastrous effects can be reduced mitigated through proper planning and effective preparation. This book, based on a gathering of experts in Beijing, discusses ways to reduce the vulnerability of agriculture to disaster and extreme events, both by accurate and timely warning, and by impact-reducing countermeasures.

Contributed articles.

This comprehensive guide comprises twelve illuminating chapters that explore every facet of disaster management, offering a holistic view of the field and its profound importance. This chapter unpacks the essence of disasters, introduces the disaster management framework and cycle, and underscores the paramount importance of disaster management in the unique context of India. Next chapter elucidates their causes, impacts, and the comprehensive measures in place to mitigate their cataclysmic consequences. Industrial pollution, urban flooding, nuclear radiation, chemical spills, transportation accidents, and the looming specter of terrorist strikes are unveiled. It delves into vulnerability assessment techniques, all while considering the pervasive influence of climate change and ecological fragility on disaster risk. The multifaceted impacts of disasters are dissected in this chapter, spanning environmental, physical, social, ecological, economic, and political dimensions. The profound impact of disasters on public health and mental well-being takes centre stage. Readers gain insight into the vexing public health challenges during disasters and the pivotal role of mental health and psychosocial support in disaster recovery. The significant impact of climate change on urban areas is unveiled, highlighting the dire need for resilient urban planning. Readers are ushered into the world of disaster risk reduction, encompassing prevention and mitigation measures, preparedness planning, early warning systems, relief and response strategies, and recovery and reconstruction approaches.