An Assessment of Climate Change and Its Major Impacts on Agricultural Crop Patterns & Environment: A Case Study of Bahraich District

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural sustainability and environmental stability, particularly in regions heavily dependent on monsoon patterns. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of climate change impacts on agricultural crop patterns and the environment in Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Utilizing climate data from 2009 to 2025, the study reveals a 51.7% worsening in climate conditions, characterized by a temperature increase of 1.1°C, rainfall variability reduction of 63.5%, and a significant increase in heatwave days. These climatic shifts have disrupted traditional cropping patterns, particularly affecting water-intensive crops such as paddy and sugarcane. The research documents the emergence of adaptation strategies, including solar-powered irrigation systems and crop diversification towards millets and pulses. Primary data collected from farmer cooperatives demonstrates that 97 solar irrigation units now benefit 8,700 farmers across 1,872 acres, reducing cultivation costs and enhancing climate resilience. The study concludes with policy recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in vulnerable ecosystems.