A Study on the Adaptation Strategies Followed by the Dryland Farmers during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract: The inadequate planning and preparation by governments before the sudden imposition of lockdowns to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic have inflicted a severe blow to India's economy, causing immense hardships, particularly to the working people and the informal rural economy. The peak of the Rabi crop harvesting season in March 2020 coincided with the nationwide lockdown, leading to significant losses for farmers in the north-western regions. The rural areas, heavily reliant on agriculture and allied sectors, faced disruptions in input availability, labor movement, and supply chains, impacting the livelihoods of nearly 50% of the workforce. This study focuses on the adaptation strategies employed by dryland farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the pandemic. The research explores various dimensions, including health and psychological adaptations, farming practices, financial adjustments, and marketing strategies. The findings reveal that farmers, facing dual challenges of health and economic crises, resorted to diverse adaptation measures to mitigate the impact. At the individual level, farmers prioritized precautionary measures, government regulations, and engaging in productive work to cope with anxiety. Families emphasized maintaining hygiene, avoiding discussions about the pandemic at home, and sharing financial difficulties equally. At the village level, preventive measures, social distancing in markets and agricultural operations, and making masks compulsory were widely adopted. In terms of farming adaptations, farmers faced disruptions in the availability of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased expenditures. Financial adaptations included increased borrowing from financial institutions and private money lenders, utilization of long-term savings, and involving family members in agricultural activities to reduce costs. Marketing strategies saw a shift towards selling to retailers and exploring mobile agricultural marketing, while some farmers faced challenges due to low prices and transportation issues. Despite the immense challenges, farmers exhibited resilience by implementing various adaptation strategies to protect themselves and their farming activities. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the pandemic on Indian farmers, addressing research questions related to adaptation strategies at different levels.