Empowering Farmers through Climate Resilience: A Socio-economic Study of the Farmers under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project in Jharsuguda District of Odisha, India

Abstract

This study, titled “Empowering Farmers through Climate Resilience: A Socio-Economic Study of the Farmers to Analyze the Impact of the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project in Jharsuguda District of Odisha, India” examines the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the context of climate-resilient technologies, and the challenges they face in implementing these practices. Conducted in one of Odisha’s most drought-affected districts, the research compared two villages; Tharkuspur (a NICRA village) and Telidihi (a non-NICRA village) using an ex-post facto design. A total of 120 respondents (60 from each village) were selected through purposive and random sampling, and the data were analyzed with statistical tools including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. The results indicate distinct differences between NICRA and non-NICRA farmers. Among NICRA farmers, 63.34% were middle-aged and 40% had completed high school. Farming was the sole occupation for 48.33% of these farmers, and 46.67% reported an annual income between Rs. 1.2 and Rs. 2.4 lakh. They demonstrated a medium level of diversification (55%) and irrigation status (46.67%), as well as moderate engagement in social participation (43.33%) and mass media exposure (51.67%). In addition, NICRA farmers exhibited a medium level of risk orientation (51.67%) and innovativeness (48.83%). In contrast, non-NICRA farmers were slightly different, with 53.67% being middle-aged and only 31% having completed high school. A higher proportion (70%) relied solely on farming for their livelihood, and 43.33% earned between Rs. 1.2 and Rs. 2.4 lakh annually. Their levels of diversification (41.66%) and irrigation status (51.66%) were lower, while social participation (41.67%) and mass media exposure (46.67%) were comparable to NICRA farmers. Additionally, non-NICRA farmers showed medium levels of risk orientation (45%) and innovativeness (43.33%). These findings suggest that NICRA interventions, which include technology demonstrations and training through KVKs, are associated with improved socio-economic outcomes and greater adaptive capacity among farmers. The study underscores the potential benefits of scaling up such initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions. Policymakers should prioritize targeted extension programs, skill-based training, and non-formal education initiatives to enhance the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, especially among small and medium-scale farmers.