Indian farmers adapt to climate change through incremental and systemic shifts

Nature · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: A systematic review of research in India found that most farmers have observed rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. While these perceptions align with meteorological data, the study highlights that farmers are adopting a wide range of adaptation strategies, ranging from small incremental changes to major transformations in land use and cropping systems.

The review notes that these adaptations are often driven by factors like household income and resource access rather than just climate perception. A limitation of the current literature is the lack of clear evidence linking specific perceptions directly to the adoption of specific measures.

Why it matters: Understanding how socioeconomic barriers shape climate adaptation is key to creating effective agricultural policies.

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