Impact of climate-resilient practices FLD on wheat crop productivity in Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan

Abstract

The increasing variability of climatic conditions poses a significant threat to the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, India. This study investigates the impact of climate-resilient agricultural practices on wheat crop productivity in the NICRA (National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture) villages of Jhunjhunu District over the 2022-23 to 2024-2025 Rabi seasons. Climate-resilient practices encompassing water-saving techniques, soil health management, heat/ and stress-tolerant varieties, and integrated nutrient and pest management were systematically introduced and monitored to assess their effects on crop yield and sustainability indicators relative to conventional farming practices. Findings indicate that climate-resilient practices led to a significant improvement in wheat productivity with average yield increases ranging from 15.73% to 18.46% over traditional methods. Economic analysis revealed an increase in net returns per hectare by up to ₹9,000, primarily due to reduced input costs and enhanced yield stability. In addition to yield and economic outcomes, adoption gaps were quantified with the technology gap (17.75 q/ha), extension gap (6.74 q/ha) and technology index (26.79%) in wheat during the respective period of study. The role of the NICRA program in facilitating climate-smart interventions and enhancing community resilience in Jhunjhunu district demonstrates a viable model for replication across climate-sensitive districts.