Grassroots climate resilience and sustainable agriculture in the Ranbir Singh Pura region of Jammu & Kashmir

The study investigates grassroots climate resilience and sustainable agriculture in the Ranbir Singh Pura (R.S. Pura) region of Jammu and Kashmir, India a region known for premium Basmati rice cultivation yet characterised by severe climate vulnerability. Drawing on vulnerability analysis, resilience theory, climate adaptation, theory, and the multi-level perspective (MLP) on sustainability transitions, the research examines how marginal and small farmers perceive climate change, manage agricultural risks and implement adaptive practices within institutional and socio-economic constraints. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations across ten villages, capturing diverse experiences of climate impacts, adaptation measures and governance challenges. Findings reveal that farmers encounter increasing threats from erratic rainfall, groundwater depletion, pest outbreaks, hailstorms, and infrastructural deficits, resulting in yield instability and income volatility. While niche-level innovations such as the Suchetgarh Organic Basmati Rice Cluster demonstrate potential for enhancing resilience through organic farming, circular agricultural practices, and renewable energy integration, systemic barriers including inadequate policy support, low digital literacy, and limited financial access hamper the replication and scaling of such initiatives. The study highlights the risks of maladaptation particularly indiscriminate groundwater extraction and crop specialisation while advocating for integrated strategies combining sustainable agriculture, resource conservation and low-carbon energy transitions. Insights from the study are situated within the global literature to highlight the transformative potential of context-specific, multi-theoretical approaches in fostering resilient agricultural systems that can withstand the adverse consequences of climate change.