International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
A Roy, AK Tripathi, BC Deka, NU Singh, A Yumnam, D Chakraborty and B Kumar

abstract
An enormous amount of research has been conducted into the representation of climate change. Weather variability has emerged as a major challenge in the field of agriculture. The present climate change scenario requires sustainable agricultural practices. Northeast India has one of the most fragile ecosystems. The agricultural landscape of the region predominantly relies on rain-fed conditions. With the shifting patterns of rainfall, a rise in extreme weather events is anticipated, leading to a heightened frequency of both droughts and floods. Given its role as a basin in the mountainous northeastern region of India, the region is exceedingly susceptible to the profound impacts of climate change on agriculture. This study aims to assess the efficacy of site-specific technologies, such as stress-tolerant rice cultivars, in boosting farmers' resilience to flood-related challenges. The ability of agriculture to adapt to weather variations and climate change is crucial for ensuring the livelihood security of the numerous small-scale and marginalized farmers in the area. The research is centered on the traditional "Bao dhaan" variety, known for its capacity to thrive in submerged and deep-water conditions. Specifically, Bao dhaan exhibits resilience to submergence up to depths of 3 to 4 meters in low-lying regions with prolonged water stagnation exceeding 50 cm over a month. Local Bao dhaan strains demonstrate traits like stem elongation, submergence tolerance, and kneeing ability. The region grapples with recurring challenges posed by sudden floods, necessitating agricultural solutions that can withstand flash flooding and bolster climate-resilient farming practices. Introduction and demonstration of submergence tolerant rice varieties is one option to cope up with adverse climate variability. The paper elaborates on the varieties and the technological demonstrations of varieties which can sustain in flood prone areas.