Analysis of Trends in Climate Variables and the Adaptation Strategies Used by Cardamom Growers in Idukki District of Kerala, India

Aim: The study's main goal is to find any significant variations in the climatic variables and to analyze the preferences about adaptation strategies by the farmers to lessen the effects of the same.

Study Area and Design: An ex-post-facto study was conducted at randomly selected panchayaths in Nedumkandam, Idukki, Kerala.

Methodology: The climate data for 30 years (1991-2021) was analyzed using Mann-Kendall test and sen slope estimator. A sample size of 120 farmers was surveyed for identifying their preferences for adaptation measures. Adaptation strategies proposed by various institutions and experts were ranked using the Response Priority Index.

Results: Throughout the july month every year, the maximum temperature rise by 0.06◦C, and this increase is significant at 1% level. The minimum temperature increased considerably by 0.06◦C at 5% level in December and by 0.04 ◦C at 10% level in January. For the month of June, there was a 6.15 mm significant decrease at the 0.01 level of significance. March had a rise in precipitation of 0.753 mm, which is noteworthy at the 0.05 level. The increase in rainfall during summer may increase panicle initiation whereas reduction in rainfall during June affects flowering. At the 0.1 criterion, the increase in May was 2.028 mm, which is considerable. And at the 0.1 level of significance, the relative humidity rises by 0.19% and 0.15%, respectively, in March and May. Fluctuation in these parameters resulted in increased pest and disease incidence. 86.66 % of farmers found it important to adopt adaptation measures. The first listed adaptation measure was maintaining a good level of shade. The least effective of the suggested solutions was growing disease and pest-resistant cultivars.

Conclusion: The tests confirmed a shift in climate variables, and it is evident that this change affects cardamom production.