Impact of Climate Change on Farmer’s Vulnerability in Different Altitude Regions of Anantnag District of Kashmir, Indian Himalayas

Abstract

Agriculture is vital to India's economy. Climate hazards and amplifying factors make farmers vulnerable. Climatic volatility threatens agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Climate instability and climate change disrupt food supply, accessibility, and quality. This research assessed the farmers’ vulnerability in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, using a multi-stage sampling technique with 120 farmers across three altitudinal strata. The socio-economic analysis indicated that majority of the respondents in the study area belonged to middle age group, 94 per cent of them received some education, majority (48.4%) were having annual income of rupees (0.8-2.1 lakh), and majority (64.7%) had marginal land ownership of less than (0.29 ha). The evaluation uses 11, 14, and 6 indicators to measure exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Pahalgam and Larnoo, which are in higher altitudinal zones, had higher vulnerability, while Vessu and Anantnag, in lower altitudinal zones, had lower vulnerability. The Climate Vulnerability Index ranged from 0.86 in high-altitude areas to 0.29 in low-altitude areas. Exposure (0.72) plays an important role in ranking high altitude regions at the first position, followed by sensitivity (0.47) and adaptive capacity (0.33). The findings highlighted the need for government strategies to lessen farmers' climate change vulnerability. Policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming and climate-smart practices can enhance farmers' climate change awareness and boost agricultural growth.