CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION AND ITS SOCIO-LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR RURAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN INDIA: A REVIEW

The problem of climate change is now among the most pressing worldwide, and its negative effects are especially manifested in developing countries, where the rural economy depends directly on agriculture.The rising temperatures, inadequate precipitation, frequent droughts and floods have increased the rural vulnerability where livelihoods and food security have been threatened.India in its turn has come up with a number of climate change laws, environmental policies, policy institutions and adaptation programs aimed at promoting resilience of agriculture.This research paper examines the socio-legal environment of the Indian climate governance system and examines how it affects the rural agricultural and food security.It evaluates the major legislations like the Environment Protection Act and the Disaster Management Act and the programs like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), and various welfare programs.Despite a strong legislative framework, implementation, coordination and grassroots knowledge are still facing numerous challenges.The paper concludes by outlining recommendations on how to improve climateresponsive policy in order to secure the livelihoods of the rural population and ensure food security in the long term.