Perceptions and Awareness of Climate Change Realities in Agriculture among Farmers in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the level of perception and awareness among farmers regarding the impacts and realities of climate change in agriculture in Tamil Nadu, India. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. It was conducted in Chidambaram during January to April 2025. 60 farmers who cultivates paddy were selected using simple random sampling method and data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a 28-item perception scale. Each item was rated on a three-point continuum scale (Agree, Agree to Some Extent, Disagree). Overall perception scores were categorized as low, medium and high. The results revealed that 63.33 per cent of the farmers had a medium level of perception, 20.00 per cent had a high level of perception and 16.67 per cent exhibited low perception. Majority of respondents (65.00 %) agreed that climate change results from both natural processes and human activities and followed by 61.67 percent of farmers report that it mainly due to human actions. Even though moderate levels of perception and awareness were common, specific knowledge gaps related to biodiversity, soil health and water resources persist. This study concludes that the perception and awareness of climate change among paddy farmers is generally adequate but there is a pressing need for enhanced climate education, locally relevant extension services and practical adaptation strategies to strengthen agricultural resilience.