Cropping decisions under water stress: Evidence from Cauvery Delta Region, India

Abstract Cropping decisions under resource constraints such as water stress have a significant influence on the livelihoods of farm households. Using survey data from 152 farm households in three villages of the paddy producing zone in the Cauvery Delta Region in India, we examine the factors that determine selection of paddy varieties and cotton. Our findings show that the marketability of specific paddy varieties, given inadequate public procurement, and groundwater use, driven by reduced surface water flows, influence crop choice. Farmers have modified their sowing practices and cropping patterns as a response to water stress and market signals. We conclude that to develop effective interventions to improve farm‐based livelihoods, it is important to look not just at climatic drivers of crop choice and farm level adjustments but the multiple stressors at different scales.