Abstract:
Climate variability significantly impacts the global agriculture sector, particularly
paddy cultivation, which is highly vulnerable due to its direct relationship with
climatic parameters. This study focused on paddy farmers' perceptions of the
impact of climate variability on paddy cultivation. Three irrigation schemes in
Anuradhapura district; Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, and Huruluwewa have been
selected for the study. 120 samples were collected from each scheme by using
the multistage sample method. For the data collection, a semi-structured
questionnaire has been used. Descriptive statistics and SPSS 27 were used for the
data analysis. According to the findings, 95% of paddy farmers agreed that they
are experiencing climate variability in the region. All the farmers in the three
schemes agreed that there is a change in rainfall patterns. According to the
farmers of the Nachchaduwa and Huruluwewa schemes, there is a temperature
increase and a decrease in rainfall. In the Rajanganaya scheme, paddy cultivation
has a moderate impact, and in the other two schemes, these changes have a major
impact on paddy cultivation. 80% of farmers are assured that these changes do
not have an impact on irrigation. High temperature is the most influential factor
in paddy cultivation. According to the farmers of the Nachchaduwa and
Huruluwewa schemes, the impact of animals and disease on paddy cultivation
has increased. The majority of farmers in the three schemes agreed that there is a
medium impact on their income from climate variability, and to overcome it, they
are practicing other income sources while continuing paddy cultivation.
