Adapting to a Changing Climate: An Assessment of Farmers’ Perceptions and Practices in Kalahandi District, Odisha, India

This study examines farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its impacts on agriculture, and the adaptation strategies employed by the farmers. The study was conducted in the Madanpur-Rampur block of Kalahandi district, Odisha by taking 368 respondents from four villages. The data used in the study include both from primary and secondary sources, which includes analysis of rainfall data of 25 years (2000 to 2024) The rainfall data analysis reveals significant inter-annual variability, with a general decline in rainfall and increased frequency of dry spells. Survey results show that 80.68% of farmers perceived decreasing rainfall and 78.62% noted rising temperatures. The adverse effects include extended crop growing periods, reduced water availability, and increased crop diseases, pests, and weed problems. In response, farmers have primarily adjusted planting dates and adopted limited crop diversification. Key barriers to adaptation include low education levels, financial constraints, poor irrigation facilities, and limited access to climate information.