MSc

The present study entitled “Climate Change Resilience Analysis of Rice Farming in Flood-Prone Ecosystem of Kerala” was conducted during 2022-23 with specific objectives of identification of climate resilient practices in rice farming in flood prone ecosystem of Kuttanad, assessment of climate resilience of rice farming in Kuttanad region and proposal of policy suggestions for climate resilient rice farming in flood prone ecosystem.
The research was conducted in the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala, which encompass a significant share of the Kuttanad region. Blocks with the highest flood-affected areas during 2022-23 were identified using records from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Based on this, Champakkulam block in Alappuzha district and Pallom block in Kottayam district were selected. Within these blocks, two grama panchayaths each i.e., Kainakary and Nedumudy from Alappuzha, and Nattakom and Panachikkad from Kottayam were chosen for the study. A total of 40 rice farmers were randomly selected from each panchayath, resulting in a total sample size of 160 farmers.
The cost of rice cultivation during the puncha season in flood-prone districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam was analysed. Cost A1, covering paid-out expenses like seeds, fertilizers, machine labour, and human labour, was ₹94,678 ha-1 in Alappuzha and ₹85,202 ha-1 in Kottayam. Cost A2 was ₹1,06,496 ha-1 in Alappuzha and ₹93,994 ha-1 in Kottayam. Including rental value of owned land and family labour, Costs B and C were ₹1,17,983 ha-1 and ₹1,03,142 ha-1 respectively in Alappuzha, and ₹1,29,713 ha-1 and ₹1,20,272 ha-1 respectively in Kottayam. Hired human labour contributed highest proportion of the cost, constituting 31.56 per cent of Cost A2 in Alappuzha and 29.11 per cent in Kottayam, reflecting the labour-intensive nature of rice farming. Expenditure on fertilizer was higher in Kottayam (12.76%) than Alappuzha (16.64%), while mechanization costs were notably higher in Alappuzha (₹12,346 ha-1) due to reliance on machinery in extensive and flood-prone fields. Smaller shares were contributed by depreciation, land revenue, and miscellaneous costs. These results highlighted the significant role of labour and fertilizer in production costs and the variations in cost structures.
II
Farmers in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts adopted several strategies to combat climate change, showcasing similarities and certain differences in their approaches. Common strategies included seeking early warning climate information, shifting planting dates, strengthening bunds before the monsoon, and adopting crop insurance. These practices were adopted by all the farmers in both the districts, facilitated by padasekhara samithies. This system plays a crucial role in co-ordinating actions, providing real-time updates, and ensuring access to government schemes, thereby fostering resilience among the farming communities. Farmers in Alappuzha were more likely to use sand-filled sacks and bamboo poles to address bund failures, reflecting higher flood risks during the monsoon. In contrast, diversification into non-farming activities was more common in Kottayam, where a single-crop pattern leaves farmers with more free time. The adoption of improved or short-duration rice varieties remained low in both districts, as farmers preferred the Uma variety for its reliability and suitability to local conditions.
A composite climate resilience index (CCRI) was developed for assessing the climate resilience of rice farmers in Kuttanad region of Alappuzha and Kottayam district. The resilience analysis revealed that Alappuzha, with a CCRI value of 355.68, demonstrated higher resilience compared to Kottayam, which had a CCRI value of 310.78. Physio-biotic, socio-cultural, economic and adaptability were the categories in which Kottayam needs greater improvement. Alappuzha’s advantage was mainly attributed to soil and water conservation measures such as Thannermukkam bunds, Thottapally spillway and other measures which significantly bolstered its capacity to withstand environmental challenges.
Using Garrett's ranking method, key constraints faced by farmers were identified. In both districts, delayed payment for produce emerged as the most critical problem, causing significant financial strain and limiting reinvestment in subsequent cropping cycles followed by high cost of inputs, weed problem and high wage rate in Alappuzha and high cost of inputs, flooding and high wage rate in Kottayam.
Based on the Climate Change Resilience Index (CCRI) values and farmer insights, this study recommends enhanced public investments in Kottayam, timely procurement payments, the introduction of competitive markets, and scientific storage
III
facilities to minimize post-harvest losses. At the farmer level, optimized input usage, integrated pest management, and diversification into value-added activities are proposed to enhance resilience. These interventions aim to ensure the long-term sustainability and economic viability of rice farming in the region.