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The sustainable use of natural rainfall in agriculture, or "rainfed farming," is essential to rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and global food security. About 60% of the world's food supply and 80% of its agricultural land are produced using this technique. Water availability is highly seasonal and strongly influenced by monsoon patterns in India, where rainfed agriculture is the predominant agricultural practice. This results in notable regional differences in water availability. Due to its scarce surface and groundwater resources, unpredictable monsoon patterns, and the negative effects of intensive farming practices brought about by the Green Revolution, Haryana, a semi-arid state in northwest India, is a prime example of the difficulties faced by rainfed agriculture.
The vulnerability of farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture in the Kalka region of Panchkula district, Haryana, in the face of water scarcity and erratic rainfall is the main focus of this study. Due to the region's topography, which is typified by the Himalayan foothills, farmers find it challenging to maintain crop production because of increased water runoff and decreased groundwater recharge. In order to evaluate these farmers' livelihood vulnerability, the study compares two village belts to find the most vulnerable areas. Regression analysis is then used to identify the factors influencing these farmers' livelihood vulnerability.
The study draws attention to the interconnected issues of socioeconomic vulnerabilities and climate change that sustain poverty among rainfed farmers. It emphasizes how important it is to implement adaptive strategies such as watershed development programs in order to improve resilience and lessen the effects of climate change on rainfed agriculture. This study aims to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in the Kalka region and promote sustainable agricultural practices by offering insights and policy recommendations based on a thorough analysis.
Keywords: Rainfed Agriculture, Rainfall Variability, Livelihood Vulnerability Score, Adaptive Capacity, Exposure, Sensitivity.
