Climate-resilient poultry farming in central India: Measuring adoption through the climate resilient adoption Inde

Abstract

Climate change poses serious challenges to smallholder poultry farming, especially in agro-climatically diverse regions like Madhya Pradesh, India. This study assessed the adoption of climate-resilient poultry practices among 110 farmers across 11 agro-climatic zones using a multi-stage random sampling method. Twenty-two practices were identified and scored using a three-point adoption scale. A Climate Resilient Adoption Index (CRAI) was calculated to classify adoption levels. Results showed moderate overall adoption (mean CRAI: 42.48%), with highest uptake in resilient breeds and heat stress management, and lowest in cold-weather feeding. Most respondents fell in the medium adoption category, reflecting partial awareness and limited access to resources and information. Socio-economic constraints and technical gaps were key barriers. The findings underscore the need for targeted training, improved extension services, and supportive policies to strengthen climate resilience in poultry production systems.