Climate change and it's impact on changing cropping pattern in Balrampur district Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

   The objective of this study is to examine the  pattern of crops in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. This  paper also assessed the evolution of cropping patterns at the block level between 2009-2010 and 2014-2015, how farmers’ cropping choices change over time, driven by modern  technologies, land degradation, frequent  floods, deforestation, market fluctuations, etc.

  Balrampur district has been considered as the study area for this research paper. The study was done at the block level. The data were taken from the  statistical manuals of the districts. Field visits and  personal interviews were conducted to understand the real situations and the motivating factors for  changing cultivation patterns. The results show that there is a net loss of cultivated area in the district in 2010 and 2015. The cultivation pattern has changed during these five years. The area devoted to cereal crops was reduced and sugar cane cultivation was accelerated. The market and flash floods were the main factors affecting the crop area. The effects of climate change pose many threats, one of the important consequences being changes in cultivation patterns and crop productivity. Climate change will lead to more extreme weather events. It includes drought, strong winds and heavy rain. The main objective of this study is to know the impact of irrigation, especially underground irrigation in Balrampur district and to understand the changing patterns of cultivation, production and productivity.

Keywords: Agriculture, cropping pattern, climate change, productivity , Balrampur District .