Climate change and cropping pattern in Keonjhar District of Odisha, India

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the natural environment in the 21st century. The agriculture sector is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as it depends on the availability and quality of natural resources, such as land, water, and soil. Climate change can affect the cropping pattern in various ways, such as altering the length and timing of the growing season, changing the water availability and quality, increasing the frequency and intensity of pests and diseases, and creating new opportunities and challenges for crop diversification. The agriculture sector in the Keonjhar district of India has been experiencing changes in its cropping pattern. This study investigates the key drivers for changing cropping patterns in the district. Secondary data was collected from 2011 to 2019 on the areas under crops and production of agricultural and horticultural crops grown in Keonjhar. For primary data, the interview method has been adopted with a sample of 327 marginal and small farmers from two villages in the district. The study revealed positive changes in the area allocated for paddy and mango, but negative changes in the area allocated for maize, mung (Yellow Lentil), biri (White Lentil). Climate change, market status, land ownership, education, the decline in yield, and the production of crops were the main drivers of the changes in crop patterns during the past few decades. This research proposes agricultural intensification and policy direction to promote the cultivation of paddy, maize, and mango trees to sustain livelihoods in the Keonjhar district.