FARMERS’ PERCEPTION AND ADAPTATION TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE ON VEGETABLE FARMING IN KATHMANDU DISTRICT

  • Samira Bhatta, Namita Nepal and Binayak P. Rajbhandari

Climate change is a global phenomenon and Nepal being an agricultural country is more affected by it. Vegetables are more sensitive to climate change and sudden rise in temperature as well as irregular rainfall at any crop growth stage can affect its yield. So, this study “Farmers’ perception and adaptation towards climate change on vegetable farming in Kathmandu district” was performed from May to June, 2023 with an objective to know about adaptation strategies undertaken by the farmers to mitigate the impact of climate change and their perception towards climate change. A sample size of 100 respondent farmers was taken by using simple random sampling. The study revealed that 96% of total respondents were being affected by ongoing climate change and facing different natural hazards. So, to tackle such scenario, 86% of farmers were trying different adaptation strategy including mulching, drip irrigation, cultivation of vegetables in plastic tunnels, etc. to mitigate negative impacts of climate change. Climate change also influence the pest and disease occurrences, migration to new places, time of appearances. . The number of weeding for a crop in a season is increased from last few years. Farmers are using heavy chemicals as alternative to reduce the incidence of diseases and pests. Farmers are adjusting planting and harvesting times in response to climate change, affecting crop cycles. Disease and pest resistant and drought and adverse climatic condition tolerant varieties should be introduced to farmers by showing them its benefits. Farmers should be supported with the technical assistance related to disease, pests, and new practices like IPM and drip irrigation.