Impact of Climate Change on Milk Production and Perceptions of Farmers in the West Bengal

Abstract

The cause and effect relationship of climatic variables on milk production of indigenous cattle and buffalo had been carried in West Bengal state during 2019-2020. Regression analysis indicated the indigenous cow milk production was directly responsive to annual minimum temperature, while crossbred cow milk production was indirectly responsive to annual maximum temperature and relative humidity. The buffalo milk production was inversely related to annual maximum temperature and relative humidity. More than half of surveyed farmers had a medium level of experience in farming. Majority of farmers were perceived climate variability in general like increase in temperature during the summer season, late onset of monsoon and early withdrawal of monsoon season. For crop farming, crop diversification was the most preferred adaptation strategy among the farmers followed by changing crop variety. For dairy farming, provide proper shed and shelter was most preferred adaptation strategy followed by provide additional fresh drinking water in summer.