A Socio-Economic Probe into Impacts of Drought on Livelihoods of Farmers in Bijapur District, Karnataka
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Date
2014-10
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University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
Abstract
A study on “Socio-economic probe into impacts of drought on livelihoods of farmers in Bijapur district, Karnataka” was conducted. Both primary (for the year 2012-13) and secondary data were used for the study. Total sample size of the study was 120 farmer-respondents. Results revealed that rainfall of Karnataka varied between 770.10 mm in 1990 (-25 %) and 1457.30 mm in 2005 (+42 %) and it followed a positive trend (781.72+16.90) from 1985 to 2012. A probe into losses due to drought in the district revealed that there was about 65 per cent loss in crop value. Drought also caused loss of animals through distress sales (61 %) and about 30 per cent decrease in milk yield. Food consumption expenditure of farm households decreased by 20 per cent across different farming categories and 24 percent decrease in general family expenditure in drought year over normal years expenditure. On an average, there was about 23 per cent loss in employment of households due to drought as compared to a normal year. In coping strategies crop diversification was the most important coping approach and utilizing income savings was the most important strategy among the off-farm strategies adopted by the respondents. Crop failure, fodder shortage to the livestock, drinking water and reduced food consumption expenditure were some of the difficulties encountered by farmers. Important policy recommendations are completing the ongoing irrigation projects, traditional water harvesting structures of the district should be rejuvenated and put for the effective use, implementation of effective watershed development programmes, afforestation, and drought proofing programmes like MGNREGA, DPAP and crop insurance should be implemented in an effective manner. Revision of crop compensation norms of the Government is required and it is necessary to create more awareness pertaining to contingent crop planning and insitu moisture conservation techniques recommended by SAU’s.
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