Mitigation strategies and suggestions of cumin growers in relation to climate change in agriculture

Abstract:

Climate is improving the understanding and characterization of extreme weather. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach for transforming and reorienting agricultural development under the new realities of climate change. A climate description includes information such as average temperature in different seasons, rainfall and sunshine. India has a long standing tradition of spice cultivation and holds the distinction of being the largest producer, exporter, and consumer of spices globally. The present study was confined to “Ex-post-facto” research design. The study was undertaken in Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch districts. From each selected district two talukas were purposively selected for study based on highest area and production of cumin. Hence, total six talukas were selected. From each selected taluka, five villages and from each village ten cumin growers were selected randomly. Thus, total 300 cumin growers were selected for the study. Mitigation refers to the measures employed by the farmers to curb the immediate term and long-term negative effects of climate change on agriculture and allied activities. Understanding the existing mitigation strategies of farmers in specific context is a first step toward the identification of appropriate options to increase the potential for mitigation of vulnerable section of farmer. In this regard cumin growers were interviewed for their responses towards mitigation measures taken by them in case of extreme weather condition deficit. There were nineteen measures adopted by farmers to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change. The data in this regard were collected from the respondents. The score of one was given to the adoption of mitigation strategy by the respondents. Total score of each mitigation strategy was calculated. For ascertaining the suggestions from the farmers to deal with climate change, suggestions were invited openly from the cumin growers. In order to develop extension strategy, it is very essential to seek the opinions of cumin growers. The frequency, percentage and rank were given to each mitigation strategy and suggestions on the base of score obtained.