Impact of climate change on agriculture in Jalna district: A geographical study

Abstract

In the rural societies of the Jalna District, agriculture is the primary livelihood activity and the mainstay of the communities. Climate change is expected to impact agriculture by increasing water demand, limiting crop productivity, and reducing water availability in areas where irrigation is needed. Agricultural activity in Jalna district mostly depends upon the monsoon seasons which is uneven. About 82.41% of the total working force is promised in agriculture and its allied activities. Jawar, Bajra, Wheat, Pulses, Groundnuts, Cotton, Sugarcane are the major crops. The late onset of monsoon and intermittent dry and wet spells has impacted the growth of soybean and cotton. Excessive rainfall during the mid-kharif season will increase fungal diseases, weeds, and pests. This is likely to impact the production of pods in soybean and boll development in cotton. Climate change can affect agriculture in a variety of ways. Outside a certain range of temperatures, warming tends to reduce yields because crops speed through their development, producing less grain in the process and higher temperatures also interfere with the ability of plants to get and use humidity.