Unveiling the spatial dynamics of climate impact on rice yield in India

Climate change has added new dimensions of uncertainty associated with India's rice production. Previous research has explored the impact of climate variation on production and noted the interdependence among neighbouring regions. Using district-level data, we investigate two categories of spatial dynamics associated with the climate sensitivity of rice yield. First, we find evidence that supports previous research that yield is significantly influenced by the direct effects of monsoon maximum temperature and rainfall. The second category, capturing indirect effects, is novel because it provides additional insights into formal and informal networks that underpin the information flow on climate adaptation. Empirical evidence of spatial interdependence arising from information spillovers provides insights into the development of spatially targeted policies that offer the potential for knowledge transfer that contributes to sustaining and increasing rice yields. Policy objectives should therefore focus on advancing technology and promoting social networks that enhance information flow across regions.