A STUDY ON ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES OF DUCK FARMERS IN RESPONSE TO WEATHER -INDUCED FLOOD VARIABILITY IN KERALA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT

Abstract: Duck farming is a vital livelihood activity in Alappuzha district, Kerala, where the unique ecosystem of backwaters and paddy fields and inherent nature of geography support large-scale production. However, recurrent floods are a threat to the productivity of the sector and the growth of the market supply chains. This study examines the adaptive strategies adopted by duck farmers to cope with flood-induced weather variability. The primary data was collected from 100 randomly selected farmers, and the secondary data was collected from government reports and academic studies. The results of the study show that even though most of the farmers adopt traditional methods to cope with the effects of flood-induced weather variability in the study area, comprehensive policy measures from the part of the government are essential to ensure the productivity and sustainability of the sector.