Probability and Intensity of Climate Adaptation through Agricultural Technologies in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Climate change is already affecting millions of people and is increasing the risk of hunger and food insecurity, particularly in countries whose economies are highly dependent on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Climate variability has a direct, influence on the quantity and quality of agricultural production. In response to changing climate, adaptation is becoming an urgent priority because large reductions in negative impacts of climate change are feasible when adaptation is fully implemented Adaptation is the processes through which societies make themselves better able to cope with an uncertain future. Adapting to climate change entails taking the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change by making the appropriate adjustments and changes. This study estimates the extent of adoption of agricultural technologies to the climate variability. This study is based on primary survey and data collected from farmers' in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu. The study period was 2011-12 cropping season. The sample consisted of 180 farm households. Results from the study indicated that among the key determinants of climate adaptation were extension services, membership in farmers' association. The result also showed that temperature was highly significant and positive influence on the decision to adapt for climate change. Temperature influenced both farm households' decision to adopt and the extent of adoption. The co-efficient, of distance to market was negative and statistically significant, which implies longer distance, lesser the intensity of climate adaption. Access to credit was statistically significant and positive, implying high adaptation rates due to availability of credit facility. The study concluded that new agricultural technologies are very important in helping small holder farmers to continue to produce food in changing climate, but more complementary support is needed if these technologies are to be taken up by farmers on a large scale.