Efficacy of Weather Based Crop Insurance As An Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change

Abstract

The present study was undertaken at the University of Agricultural Sciences, newlineDharwad to analyze the efficacy of weather based crop insurance as an adaptation strategy newlineto climate change during 2015-16. The primary data was collected from Vijayapur and newlineBagalkot districts through multi-stage random sampling technique consisting of 240 newlinesample size (80 insured and 40 non-insured farmers from each district). The weather data newlinewas collected from 11 districts of north-Karnataka for period of 23 years (1990-91 to newline2013-14). Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, Probit and Logit model and Garrett newlineranking technique were employed. newlineBidar district was most vulnerable district for climate change for entire study newlineperiod (1990-91 to 2013-14). Dharwad district exacerbated from vulnerable (1990-91) to newlinevery highly vulnerable (2013-14). Diversified farming (Garrett Score 95.45) and non-farm newlineemployment opportunities (Garrett Score 70.35) were major coping strategies practiced newlineby farmers. Large farmers (89.50 %) were more aware about Weather Based Crop newlineInsurance (WBCI) as compared to marginal (56.40 %) and small farmers (67.90 %). The newlinemajority of crops were positively impacted by WBCI scheme. Insured farmers realized newlinemore returns [(chickpea (30 %), pigeon pea (40 %) and maize (18 %)] since they are newlineassured of getting compensation in the event of crop failure thus mobilize their additional newlinefarm inputs. Lack of knowledge and information about climate change and adaptation newlinestrategies (78.09 %), lack of access to timely weather forecasted information (72.88 %) newlineand lack of timely availability of farm inputs (66.44 %) were major constraints newlineexperienced by insured farmers. Hence, the study suggested to undertake special research newlineprojects on climate change adaptation and need to motivate farmers to insure all crops newlineunder WBCI scheme. Apart from this, the scheme documentation procedure need to be newlinesimplified and quick settlement of claim compensation need to be made under the newlinescheme. newline