IMPACT OF CLIMATIC VARIABLES ON THREE MAJOR FIELD CROPS IN CHAR AREAS OF LALMONIRHAT DISTRICT

An agro-climatic study was conducted at the charland areas of Lalmonirhat district considering 25 years of climatic data (i.e., temperature, humidity, rainfall) to observe the climatic variability and their impact on the productivity of three crops such as Boro, Jute and Wheat. Production of all the three crops was found as increasing trend. In Boro season, the production increased by 0.057 ton per hectare per year and the yield trend coefficient was 0.021. Jute production increased by 0.029 ton per hectare and the yield trend coefficient was 0.023 and Wheat production increased by 0.067 ton per hectare and the yield trend coefficient was 0.023 in each year, respectively. The changes of rainfall were lower over the seasons and followed increasing trend. The rainfall in Boro, Jute and Wheat season were increased by 18.62 mm, 13.15 mm and 14 mm in each year, respectively. The average maximum temperature increased by 0.059, 0.074 and 0.064°C in Boro, Jute, Wheat season, respectively. In Boro season, average humidity increased by 21% each year and it increased by 17% in Wheat season in each year. On the other hand, average humidity decreased by 2.1% in Jute season. The influences of climatic variables in the production of the crops are varied. Humidity has influence on seasonal Boro production whereas temperature and rainfall didn’t influence the production. Temperature has influences on both Jute and Wheat production. From correlation analysis, it was revealed that average humidity has considerable influence on seasonal Boro production than all other crops. However, most of the time the production showed increasing trend with some exceptions. The study recommends some essential climate adaptation policy which the government and policy makers may consider to address the challenges that farmers are likely to face as a result of climate change Again, local adaptation practices should be examined, the role of institutional support should be highlighted and national adaptation strategies and resilience should be strengthened.