Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in the Gir Kesar Mango Region of Gujarat

Abstract

This study focuses on climate change issues in mango cultivation among the Gir Kesar mango producers in Gujarat. The Gir Kesar region that consists of Junagadh and Gir Somnath districts, has been experiencing production losses in the recent past due to changes in climatic factors like rise in temperatures, prolonged winter and unseasonal rains. These changes have also resulted in increased pest attack and poor quality mangoes. The net income realised by farmers in mango farming is quiet low. Lack of awareness of proper pesticide use leads to farmers using harmful pesticides. Some of the climate change adaptation strategies suggested by the agricultural scientists include adopting (a) drip irrigation methods, (b) high density plantation (HDP) and (c) shelter belts. Drip irrigation method would restrict the excessive ground water extraction and in the years of reduced rainfall would also check the salinity ingress.