Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Climate change with expected continuing changes in rainfall pattern and shifting temperature cycles are expected to have significant negative effects on food and water security, agriculture and economic rise of the country. Climate change is likely to have a serious and lasting impact on agriculture sector in India. The most significant effect of climate change is seen in the clear phenomenon of rising global temperatures, commonly referred to as global warming. There was a worldwide increase (0.4-0.7 °C) in temperature. The study was conducted in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Total 143 respondents were selected. Results indicated that majority of farmers were middle aged, middle level educated, males, having main occupation farming with middle level farming experience, low annual income with high economic motivation, had medium scientific orientation. Majority of the respondents had medium level of information seeking behavior, majority of farmers have observed significant shifts in climatic patterns over recent years. Specifically, (77.6%) of the farmers strongly agree that temperatures have increased compared to previous years, indicating a widespread acknowledgment of rising heat levels. This is further supported by (66.4%) who strongly agree that the intensity of summer heat has increased, and (53.8%) who strongly agree that high temperatures and heat waves have become more frequent. This growing heat stress is a critical concern, especially for agricultural activities.