IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NAWALPARASI (B.S.W) DISTRICT, NEPAL

Abstract

Survey research was conducted in Nawalparasi (B.S.W) district to assess farmers’ perception on climate change and the impact of climate change in wheat production. The survey was conducted in four municipalities (rural municipality). A total of 83 respondents were involved in this study. The primary data were collected through survey questionnaire, direct observation, focus group discussion, whereas secondary data on wheat area, production and productivity from different sources were also collected. The majority of the respondents (90.4%) perceived about climate change while 9.4% respondents were not aware about climate change. Furthermore, out of the respondents mentioning changes in temperature, rainfall duration, rainfall amount, dew and winter monsoon around 95.2%, 91.9%, 92.4%, 94% and 90.3% of them opinionated that there were changes in wheat production because of these factors respectively. Moreover, t-test and probit model analysis showed that there was great impact of climate change in wheat production and impact is increasing yearly in Nawalparsi(B.S.W) district. So, Government and policymakers should focus on climate resilient adaptation strategies formulation for crop cultivation through intensive research and extension packages. Adoption of technology to reduce the impact of climate change should be encouraged to gain optimum wheat production.