Perception of Paddy Farmers on Climate Change and Adaptation Measures Initiated in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

摘要

The study was conducted to understand the perception and adaptation measures initiated by farmers' in response to climate change. Two important climate change parameters viz., rainfall and temperature during the time interval before and after the year2000 were considered for the study. The data was collected from 120 respondents in three districts of the Eastern Dry Zone (Zone-5) of Karnataka. The findings indicated that, about 94.00 per cent of the farmers opined, there were less number of dry spells, no changes in the onset of timing in rainfall and the quantity of rainfall received was more before the year 2000 which was contrary to the actual rainfall received after the year 2000. With respect to changes in temperature before the year 2000, majority (98.33%) of farmers expressed undecided, that they were not in a position to perceive whether they have experienced less extreme temperature. 95.83 per cent of the respondents agreed that temperature had not increased and after the year 2000, the farmers perceived that there was increase in the temperature, experiencing more extreme temperature and scorching sunshine, no one experienced less extreme temperature and thus indicated there was changes in the temperature. Regarding adaptation measuresinitiated by farmers, they have initiated alternative farming systems in the crop like paddy such as alteration in crop production, soil and water conservation measures in order to manage the losses or to take advantage of changes in climate.