Abstract:
Paddy cultivation is one of the most important agricultural activity in the world, serving
as stable food in most of the countries. The climate change has high impact on paddy
farming. The research investigates the usefulness of agricultural strategies in mitigating
the impact of climate change on paddy farming: A study in Poratheevu Pattu DS
division, Batticaloa. The study aims to evaluate the usefulness of agricultural strategies
in mitigating the impact of climate change on paddy farming in Poratheevu Pattu DS
division, Batticaloa. 100 farmers were selected using simple random sampling method
and pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analysed
by using SPSS version 27.0 software. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression
analysis were conducted to analyse the data. The descriptive analysis shows that the
majority of respondents were male (80%) and only 20Yowere female. Sixty percentage
of respondents represented as their main income source was paddy farming and 42Yo
of respondents with 6-10 years of farming experience. Fifty-one percentage of
respondents had grade 6- 10 with 3 1-40 years of age (29%). Forty-three percentage of
the farmers faced drought and flooding. Fifty-two percentage of respondents fully
affected by decrease in crop yield while 24%o fully affected by shortage of water.
Ninety-eight percentage of respondents used improved inigation techniques and
suitable rice varieties. Regression analysis indicates availability of knowledge
0<0.037) and educational level (p<0.02i) significantly impact on the usefulness of
agricultural strategies. This study concludes that while agricultural strategies can
enhance climate resilience, their success largely depends on educational level and
availability of knowledge. Therefore, this study suggested that policymakers to
strengthen agriculture extension services and farmers participate agricultural training
programs and workshops.
