In this episode of the Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Mangesh Wange, CEO of Swades Foundation, about the impact of El Niño-driven weather disruptions and climate change on India’s farming sector.

The conversation examines the challenges farmers face amid rainfall deficits, drought-like conditions, water scarcity, fodder shortages and crop losses, particularly in rural Maharashtra. Wange shares insights on how a mix of large-scale irrigation projects and decentralized solutions such as farm ponds can help improve water security and farm resilience.

The episode also explores practical adaptation strategies, including crop diversification, horticulture, medicinal crops, intercropping and integrated livelihood models involving dairy, goat rearing, poultry and fisheries. Drawing from on-ground experiences, Wange explains how multiple income streams and climate-resilient farming practices can help farmers reduce risk and navigate increasingly erratic monsoons.

Tune in to the Agrispective Podcast for a discussion on drought-proofing agriculture and building sustainable rural livelihoods in a changing climate.

(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producers: Shakthi H, Siddharth Mathew)

Published on October 31, 2026