Abstract
Rice fields in Kerala have reduced 76% over 42 years from 875,000 ha in 1970 to 208,000 ha in 2012. Secondary data show that rice cultivating areas in Kerala’s rice bowl-Palakkad have 56% reduction over the past 50 years from 2010–2011 to 1960–61. Even then, there are discussions and arguments happening over Kerala to shift rice paddy fields to other commercial crops like rubber. Moreover, the demand–supply gap of rice in Kerala is widening at a faster rate, and it remains a food deficit state, constantly depending upon neighbouring states for food grains. This study was an endeavour to understand the significance of sustaining rice cultivation in the rice bowl, Palakkad not only for food and livelihood security, but also for preserving ecosystem services. The state has about 300,000 rice growers. This study also explores the outcomes from the Crop Simulation Model DSSAT on the projected rice yield for Palakkad region under changing climatic scenarios. It also tries to find out the best suitable rice variety for the rice belts of under changed climatic conditions. The yield of Uma and Jyothi—two major ruling varieties may be reduced by − 14.4 and − 21.8%, respectively, by 2100 for Palakkad Region. Compared to current rice productivity in the rice belts of Kerala, future rice yield due to climate change with medium emission scenario of IPCC is projected to reduce during mid-century (2021–2050) and end century (2071–2100) period. Unless there is efficient planning to provide smarter adaptive actions, it would affect local food security and livelihood security of the farmers. There is a need to have a lab to land transfer of temperature drought and flood-tolerant seed varieties in the rice belts of Kerala to tackle climate change impacts and widening demand–supply gaps. However, the ecosystem services that these rice paddy wetlands provide in maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity, flood water control, surface and groundwater conservations and aesthetic value to Kerala-Gods own country are invaluable. It is essential to sensitize the farmers and land owners on this ground.
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The authors would like to thank Kerala State Higher Education Council, Government of Kerala for the research fellowship.
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Dhanya, P., Jayarajan, K. (2023). The Ecological Significance to Maintain Rice Cropping Areas in the Rice Bowls of Kerala for Sustaining Food Security Under the Purview of Climate Change. In: Alam, A., Rukhsana (eds) Climate Change, Agriculture and Society. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28251-5_9
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