Climate change and agriculture in a mining context of Odisha, India

The paper investigates the changing agricultural patterns of crops in the state of Odisha, especially in the Sundargarh district over 15 years. It addresses the question, of how climate change affects agriculture particularly the cropping patterns in the mining context of Odisha, India. The changes in cropping patterns directly impact the livelihoods of the population, who depend on agriculture. The study covered the major crops in the district from 2004-05 to the 2018-19 seasons by utilizing secondary data and intersecting it with primary data gathered from farmers in the district. The data was analyzed using descriptive methodology and primary data was collected through the Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) tool in the Hemgiri Block of the Sundargarh district. The results revealed several factors that directly contributed to changes in cropping patterns, including climate change, government projects, mining activities, and market dynamics. A decline in paddy crop area was observed with a shift toward the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and fruits such as mango and cashew. Overall, these findings indicate a significant change in agricultural preferences and a shift among farmers toward high-value economic crops.