Climate change impact assessment and adaptation strategies to sustain rice production in Cauvery basin of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The results of the projected climate change over Cauvery basin of Tamil Nadu for A1B scenario using regional climate models showed an increasing trend for maximum, minimum temperatures and rainfall. The yields of ADT 43 rice simulated by decision support system for agricultural technology transfer with CO2 fertilization effect had shown a reduction of 135 kg ha decade for providing regional climates for impact studies (PRECIS) output, while there was an increase in yield by 24 kg ha decade for regional climate model system 3 (RegCM3) output. Suggested adaptation strategies include system of rice intensification, using temperature tolerant cultivars and using green manures/biofertilizers for economizing water and increasing the rice productivity under warmer climate.