From July 1st to January 1st, 2025, this study was carried out in a chicken farm in Tidal land has a strategic role in supporting national food security, particularly in South Kalimantan, but paddy farming systems in this region are highly vulnerable to environmental change and climate uncertainty. This condition encourages farmers to adapt, one of which is through decision-making in the selection of paddy rice seeds that are in accordance with the characteristics of tidal land. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and stages of decision-making of farmers in the selection of paddy rice seeds, identify the factors that influence these decisions as an environmental adaptation strategy, and evaluate their implications for the sustainability of paddy rice farming in Barito Kuala Regency. The research was carried out using a survey method with a total of 100 respondents who were selected through multistage random sampling techniques. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis to examine the stages of farmer decision-making, binary logistics regression to identify determinants of seed selection decisions, and sustainability index analysis to assess its impact on farming sustainability. The results of the study showed that farmers' decision-making followed the stages of identification of needs, information search, alternative evaluation, seed selection decisions, and post-use evaluation, with a dominant preference for local varieties. Factors of farming experience, perception of environmental risks, and access to agricultural information have a significant effect on seed selection decisions. The sustainability index value of 0.731 shows that the selection of paddy rice seeds by tidal land farmers is in the category of quite sustainable. This study concludes that seed selection is an important environmental adaptation strategy in supporting the sustainability of paddy rice farming in tidal lands.

Background: Climate variability increasingly affects paddy production, exposing smallholder farmers to revenue instability. This challenge is also evident in Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Although climate adaptation strategies are widely adopted, evidence on their revenue implications remains limited.Purpose: This study examines the adoption rates of climate adaptation strategies (shifting planting dates, constructing ridges, and income diversification), compares log farm revenue between adopters and non-adopters, and evaluates whether differences persist after controlling for farmer, farm, and district characteristics.Design/methodology/approach: Using primary survey data from 271 paddy farmers, adoption patterns are described using summary statistics and the mean comparison test (Welch’s t-test). Revenue associations with adaptation strategies are estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) with three specifications. First, a baseline model that only considers adaptation indicators. Second, an OLS model with control variables (farmer and farm characteristics). Third, an OLS model with control variables and fixed effects (land tenure categories and district) to explain institutional arrangements and spatial heterogeneity. Findings/Results: Farmers who shift planting dates tend to have higher revenue. Mean comparisons indicate higher log revenue among farmers who shift planting dates and lower log revenue among ridge users. These t-test results align with the OLS results. However, once controls are included in the OLS model, the estimated coefficients become smaller and statistically weaker, suggesting that revenue differences partly reflect farmer sorting and contextual conditions rather than direct causal effects.Conclusion: Revenue implications are heterogeneous and context-dependent. Originality/value (State of the art): This study contributes to the limited empirical evidence on climate adaptation in smallholder paddy farming by jointly analyzing adaptation strategies and farm revenue outcomes. By applying a multivariate regression framework, this study provides insights into how adaptation strategies relate to revenue under varying farmer and contextual conditions. The findings offer implications for policymakers in designing context-specific climate adaptation support. Keywords: climate adaptation, farm revenue, paddy farming, smallholder, Indonesia

Irrigation is an important factor in supporting the sustainability of paddy rice farming, especially in areas that depend on surface water sources. A well-functioning irrigation system not only ensures the availability of water for plants, but also affects the smooth cultivation of crops, yield stability, and the sustainability of farming. This study aims to analyze farmers' perceptions of irrigation utilization and identify factors that affect it in the Krueng Jreu Sub Watershed, Aceh Besar Regency. The study used a survey method of 40 paddy farmers selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Likert scale and multiple linear regression. The results of the study show that farmers' perception of irrigation utilization is in the good category. This can be seen from the average score of water availability 3.75, water distribution 3.90, system reliability 3.86, economic benefits 4.02, participation and institutions 3.83, and infrastructure maintenance 3.98. The regression results showed that all independent variables simultaneously affected farmers' perceptions with the model's ability to explain 47% of the perception variation. Partially, there are no variables that have a significant influence, but infrastructure maintenance is the most dominant factor. These findings affirm the importance of improving infrastructure, equitable water distribution and strengthening farmer institutions.

Knowledge sharing within paddy farming ecosystems remains constrained by fragmented information sources, limited accessibility, and weak coordination among stakeholders. While various digital agricultural platforms have been introduced, many fail to achieve sustained adoption due to unclear stakeholder roles and insufficient mechanisms for collaborative knowledge exchange. This study develops a Collaborative Knowledge Sharing Model (CKSM) to support stakeholder-driven digital knowledge portals for paddy farming. The research adopts a Design Science Research (DSR) approach involving problem identification, systematic literature analysis, stakeholder consultations, model development, and validation. Empirical insights were obtained through consultations with key agricultural organizations in Kedah, Malaysia, including the Kedah Department of Agriculture, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), and Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK), ensuring the contextual relevance of the model. The proposed CKSM consists of three integrated components: the Central Knowledge Hub (CKH) for structured knowledge storage and dissemination, the Stakeholder Collaboration Layer (SCL) for facilitating multi-stakeholder interaction and co-creation of knowledge, and the Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism (MFM) for continuous evaluation and improvement. Within a collaborative knowledge ecosystem, the proposed model also defines the roles of six stakeholder groups: farmers, agricultural agencies, research institutions, financial institutions, agri-tech providers, and community organizations. By integrating digital infrastructure with clearly defined governance and participation mechanisms, CKSM enhances knowledge accessibility, coordination, and collective learning within the paddy farming sector. The model provides a scalable framework for developing inclusive agricultural knowledge systems and supporting evidence-based decision-making in digital agriculture initiatives.

Farm mechanization plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, labour efficiency, and profitability. However, small and marginal farmers in India face significant challenges in adopting mechanization due to limited financial resources and fragmented landholdings. To address these constraints, the Government of Karnataka established Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to provide access to modern farm machinery on a rental basis, thereby promoting inclusive mechanization. The present study was undertaken in Mandya district, a major rice-growing area of Karnataka, to assess the impact of CHCs on the economic performance and mechanization level of farmers. Five CHCs located at Basaralu, Athguru, Akkihebbala, Chinnakurli, and Arakere were selected, and data were collected from 150 paddy-growing farmers, comprising 75 beneficiaries and 75 non-beneficiaries, using a pre-tested interview schedule during the Kharif season of 2023–24. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, cost–benefit comparisons and gap analyses were used. Results revealed that all farmers (100%) had mechanized at least one major paddy operation, while 92% adopted mechanical transplanting. However, 46.67% still depended on manual harvesting due to machinery shortages. Among CHC beneficiaries, the cost of cultivation decreased by 5.56%, productivity increased by 9.61%, and cost of production declined by 15.78% compared with non-beneficiaries. The incremental cost-benefit ratio (ICBR) of 3.62 indicated strong economic viability of CHC services. Nevertheless, significant gaps were observed in the availability of critical equipment, such as paddy transplanters (75% shortage) and combine harvesters (100% shortage). The findings highlight that CHCs are effective in improving access to mechanization and enhancing farm income, but require strengthened operational capacity, digital booking systems, and adequate machinery inventory for sustained impact.

Purpose Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. Over 50% of the workforce is engaged in the agricultural sector, and at least 14% of India's GDP emanates from the farm sector. The present study aims to assess the technical efficiency of paddy farmers in the two districts of West Bengal (Purba Bardhaman and Purulia) and to examine the effect of financial literacy (FL) on their technical efficiency. Design/methodology/approach Data on 503 farmers (260 from Purba Bardhaman and 243 from Purulia) were collected through a primary survey. S&P Global Fin_Lit questions were used to measure the FL amongst the sample farmers. The stochastic frontier model was employed to examine the effect of FL on farmers’ technical efficiency. Findings The study's results showed that the average efficiency level of Paddy farmers was high (94.04%). The study's outcome showed that different dimensions of FL played an instrumental role in reducing the inefficiency levels of the paddy farmers. In addition, age, location of the farmers, land-holding size, agricultural income, farming experience, and the distance of the farmland from the farmer's house significantly affected the efficiency of the paddy farmers. Originality/value Very few studies have assessed the effect of FL on farmers’ technical efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt, especially in the Indian context, to examine the effect of FL on farmers’ efficiency.

Introduction/Objective Agricultural workers in Malaysia are consistently exposed to biological hazards originating from soil, water sources, livestock, and vector populations. Environmental conditions, such as tropical climate, monsoon-related flooding, and deforestation, further exacerbate the risk of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. Despite these risks, biological hazards remain less extensively studied compared to physical and chemical exposures. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on biological hazards affecting Malaysian agricultural workers, with an emphasis on occupational and environmental determinants, surveillance gaps, and preventive challenges. Methods A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and September 2025 were retrieved from major databases. The eligible studies included biological hazards associated with paddy farming, plantation work, livestock production, and aquaculture. Data were charted according to hazard type, agricultural setting, study methodology, and the identified determinants. Results A total of 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings identified a diverse range of pathogens linked to occupational exposure, with Leptospira spp. being the most frequently reported, followed by Plasmodium knowlesi , Burkholderia pseudomallei , and various tick-borne agents. Environmental determinants, including contaminated soil and water, inadequate sanitation, climate variability, and high vector density, were consistently associated with increased disease occurrence. However, surveillance systems remain fragmented, with limited longitudinal monitoring and inconsistent reporting of biological hazards. Discussion This review highlights substantial knowledge gaps in understanding emerging biological hazards, climate–disease interactions, and the effectiveness of existing preventive strategies. Weak integration of occupational health, environmental monitoring, and vector surveillance limits timely detection and response. These gaps reduce the accuracy of disease burden estimates and hinder the development of targeted risk-reduction measures. Conclusion Biological hazards in Malaysian agriculture constitute a critical yet under-monitored occupational health threat, influenced by environmental and climatic dynamics. Strengthening One Health-based surveillance systems, updating national policies, and integrating environmental microbiology into occupational health programs are essential to address these gaps. Enhanced monitoring, adaptive prevention strategies, and cross-sector collaboration are necessary to safeguard worker safety and ecosystem health in changing climates.

The expansion of organic paddy cultivation as an environmental friendly practices among farmers is apparent; however, studies on its continuance intention during the post-adoption phase remain limited. This research on the intention to continue in organic paddy farming integrated elements from the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and Technology Continuance Theory (TCT), situated within the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework. Data were gathered from 345 organic paddy farmers and evaluated with Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrated that market factor, as stimuli, had a direct effect on perceived benefit and enjoyment but did not affect satisfaction. In addition, organisational support gave a significant impact on all organism aspects. While subjective norm affected satisfaction and perceived enjoyment, it did not substantially affect perceived benefit, suggesting that farmers should choose sustained advantages over succumbing to social pressures. Ultimately, the intention to continue was positively influenced by all constructs in the organism area, with perceived enjoyment as the hedonic motive surpassing satisfaction and perceived benefit. The effect sizes of the model's relationships ranged from small to medium. Furthermore, this study also revealed that environmental concern significantly moderated perceived enjoyment and continuance intention. The results underscore the imperative for policymakers to formulate strategies that maintain organic paddy farming, taking into account both external and internal factors.

This study examines multidimensional agricultural vulnerability in the Cauvery Delta of Tamil Nadu, India, with particular attention to farm-size inequality, economic distress and resilience outcomes relevant to agricultural policy. Using a multistage stratified random sampling design, primary data were collected from paddy farmers across 3 delta districts and analysed through rank based quotient (RBQ) analysis and comparative statistical techniques. The results identify a hierarchy of severe production, institutional and market-related constraints, indicating that vulnerability in the delta is not episodic but structurally embedded. Economic analysis highlights pronounced disparities in debt–asset ratios across farm-size categories, with marginal and small farmers facing disproportionately higher financial stress and weaker resilience compared to larger landholders. The Composite Economic Vulnerability Index (CEVI) and related social and institutional indicators further reveal deficits in adaptive capacity and institutional trust, reinforcing cycles of vulnerability among resource-constrained farmers. Overall, the findings demonstrate that agricultural vulnerability in the Cauvery Delta is shaped by intersecting economic and institutional inequalities rather than isolated agronomic factors. The study provides policy-relevant empirical evidence to inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, reducing farm-size–based inequities and strengthening institutional support mechanisms in deltaic paddy systems.

Abstract Kazakhstan, located predominantly in an arid climatic zone, relies heavily on irrigation to sustain paddy farming and ensure food security. However, prolonged irrigation practices have substantially altered the groundwater regime, affecting groundwater levels, recharge-discharge patterns and the water-salt balance of soils. These transformations, often difficult to reverse, impact both irrigated lands and adjacent areas, compromising land productivity and the sustainability of rice farming systems. Groundwater dynamics in these areas result from the interplay between natural factors (such as climatic variability, natural drainage and sediment filtration properties) and anthropogenic drivers, including the types and condition of irrigation systems, crop patterns, irrigation scheduling and water management practices. In recent years, climate change, water scarcity, and the degradation of irrigation infrastructure have intensified these processes. This study, based on long-term hydrogeological monitoring data, analyses groundwater regime changes in rice-based irrigation systems of South-East Kazakhstan and evaluates their implications for soil conditions and agricultural productivity. The results reveal heterogeneous spatial and temporal patterns: declining groundwater levels in some areas have alleviated waterlogging and improved soil conditions, while other zones still suffer from waterlogging and soil salinization, limiting crop yields. The identified patterns provide a robust basis for designing adaptive irrigation and groundwater management strategies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of rice farming systems under increasing climatic and hydrological challenges.

Abstract Paddy cultivation is reliant on the water supply; therefore, the impact of climate change is significant. Good irrigation system becomes crucial to maintain the water supply and paddy productivity. In fact, not all paddy centres have such a facilitation. While the low Food Farmer Exchange Index indicates the low welfare of food farmers, the impact of climate change may even worsen this situation. The situation is analysed by comparing the productivity and household welfare between groups of irrigated and non-irrigated paddy farmers in Siantar and Toba, North Sumatra. 30 farmers were selected in each district by a stratified sampling method. Welfare was assessed by the ratio between farmers’ household revenue and expenses, and tested with compare means test. The results show that irrigation increase land productivity by increasing the planting index. With insufficient land sizes, most farmers need side jobs to fulfill the household expenditures. Subsidized fertilizer appears to increase farm productivity, but tends to led nitrogen overuse. Lack of fertilizer management knowledge, farmers prefer to use more to avoid low yield productivity. Both are not good for sustainability. Therefore, training for farmers is important to improve the Good Agricultural Practice and balance the profitability and sustainability among rice farms.

The agricultural sector, particularly rice farming, is a primary source of food and income. However, rice farming faces various challenges in increasing productivity due to the limited awareness of the important role of information related to production. The aim of the research is to analyze the selection of information regarding production risks in rice farming. The research method is a sequential mixed method involving 96 rice paddy farmers. Data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SMART PLS 3.0 software. The research results indicate that the selection of information, which includes information quality, information benefits, and information sources, significantly affects the management of production risks. Meanwhile, information costs have an insignificant impact on managing production risks in rice farming. Therefore, the government and related institutions need to improve access to quality information that is beneficial and from trustworthy sources. More frequently hold training and outreach programs so that farmers become more active and aware of the importance of information, enabling them to continuously seek information to improve the quality of their decision-making.

The study aimed to assess the impact of climate variability on agricultural traditions and rural livelihoods in Tamil Nadu and also purpose of this study is to examine the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers in response. A descriptive research design was employed and the study was conducted in Chidambaram Taluk of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. 60 paddy farmers were selected using a simple random sampling method, focusing on those who are all directly affected by climate-related challenges. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire adapted from Khunt (2022), which captured social, economic, cultural impacts and coping mechanisms. Responses were measured on a three-point scale and analyzed by using percentage analysis. The results from this study revealed that climate variability has significantly affected rural communities, disrupting traditional practices, increasing psychological stress and contributing to migration. Socially, 58.33 % of the respondents reported that shifting weather patterns disrupted traditional agricultural practices. Economically, 46.67 % of respondents experienced reduced income and rising input costs, leading to a growing dependence on non-farm livelihoods. Culturally, 50.00 % reported that changing cropping seasons affected traditional food habits and agricultural festivals, resulting in the gradual erosion of rural heritage. Regarding adaptation strategies, 80.00 % of farmers adjusted their sowing schedules, 63.33% practiced responsible use of insecticides and pesticides. These findings highlight the multidimensional impact of climate change and the urgent need for strengthened policy support, training and extension services to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity and promote sustainable agriculture.

Subsidized fertilizer is one of the important instruments in government policy to increase agricultural production, especially rice paddy in maintaining national food security. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the role of farmer groups and extension workers in the distribution mechanism of subsidized fertilizer in 50 Kota Regency (Case Study: Harau District). The research method is a survey in Harau District, 50 Kota Regency. The number of respondents is 65 rice paddy farmers who are members of farmer groups. Primary data collection includes farmer characteristics, the role of extension workers and the role of farmer groups with data collection techniques through interviews, observations and questionnaires. Data analysis is descriptive quantitative with bivariate correlation analysis test (SPSS.20). The results of the study show that the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to farmers through 1) Data Collection and Verification, 2) Preparation of RDKK, and 3) Distribution Supervision. These stages are carried out in farmer groups and accompanied by agricultural extension workers. The relationship between the roles of farmer groups in subsidized fertilizer distribution shows that, in the context of subsidized fertilizer distribution, the role of field extension workers does not always reinforce each other across their dimensions. Their role as communicators, which emphasizes information delivery and policy dissemination, sometimes aligns with their role as motivators, which emphasizes coaching, encouragement, and empowering farmers to be active in the fertilizer distribution process.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy remains a cornerstone of India’s agricultural price support mechanism, intended to ensure remunerative prices to farmers, reduce price risk and incentivize crop production. This study critically examines the performance and effectiveness of the MSP system for paddy in Gujarat over the period 2002–2022. The analysis is segmented into two sub-periods, 2002–2012 and 2012–2022, to identify changes in trends, responsiveness and regional variations. The study draws on extensive secondary data from government publications, including the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, CACP reports and the Directorate of Agriculture, Agriculture & Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. The findings reveal that MSP for both common and A-grade paddy increased consistently over the study period, with relatively sharper growth during the first decade compared to the second, indicating a slowdown in MSP revisions in recent years. Conversely, Farm Harvest Prices (FHP) exhibited greater volatility. Although FHP remained above MSP for most years during the first sub-period, they fell below MSP in four consecutive years after 2017, with the widest negative deviation observed in 2020–21. While a majority of the years recorded positive FHP–MSP deviations, the recent emergence and persistence of negative deviations point to a declining effectiveness of MSP in safeguarding farmer’s incomes. This trend suggests that MSP announcements alone may not be sufficient to ensure remunerative prices in the absence of effective market support. Strengthening procurement operations and improving price transmission mechanisms are therefore crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of the MSP policy for paddy farmers in Gujarat.

Paddy farming plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector by supporting national food security and rural livelihoods. However, rising input costs, declining yields, and price instability threaten its economic sustainability. This study examined the economic viability of paddy cultivation in the major paddy-growing districts of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Hambantota, and Ampara. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey, while secondary data were obtained from official reports and publications. A cost–benefit analysis was used to estimate net returns by considering input costs, yields, and paddy prices. The results revealed that the average cost of cultivating one acre ranged between Rs. 65,000 and Rs. 85,000, with fertiliser and labour accounting for the largest share of the cost. Significant yield variations were observed due to climatic factors and pest attacks. Profit margins were generally low, averaging Rs. 10,000–15,000 per acre, with negative returns in some areas. Overall, the findings indicate considerable economic pressure on paddy farming. The study emphasises the need for mechanisation, improved irrigation, and high-yielding seed varieties.

This study examines the relationship between selected socioeconomic and communication characteristics of paddy farmers in Gudiyattam Taluk, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, with their awareness and adoption of recommended bio-fertilizers practices. Using an ex-post facto research design, proportionate random sampling was employed to select 120 farmers from six villages. Data were collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule and analysed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. Variables considered include annual income, farm size, social participation, extension agency contact, and media exposure. The findings revealed that most respondents were small farmers with medium levels of income, social participation, media exposure, and extension contact. Among all the variables studied, only extension agency contact showed a significant positive relationship with both awareness and adoption levels at a 5% level of significance, while other variables were found to be non-significant. The results highlight the critical role of frequent and meaningful interaction with extension personnel in enhancing farmers’ understanding and sustained use of bio-fertilizer technologies. The study emphasizes the need to strengthen decentralized distribution systems and provide incentives for eco-friendly inputs to improve accessibility and long-term adoption. These insights are valuable for researchers, policymakers, and extension functionaries in formulating targeted strategies to promote sustainable rice cultivation.

Microalgal amendments can improve soil structure by regulating extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). However, the mechanisms underlying this process in red soils (characterized by high clay content and susceptibility to acidification) under different farming practices remain unclear. This study examined how Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) amendment influences EPS composition to enhance soil aggregate stability under arable land and rice paddy farming. A five-month pot experiment using a completely randomized design was conducted to investigate the effects of Chlorella vulgaris amendment on soils cultivated with Pennisetum × sinese and rice, two economically important crops commonly grown in South China. At the end of the experiment, Chlorella vulgaris amendment substantially increased both the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of soil aggregates under both farming systems. Excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy revealed distinct changes in soil EPS components between the two farming types. Under arable land farming, humic-like and protein-like EPSs were dominant in Chlorella vulgaris-amended treatments, with fluorescence intensities more than doubling compared to the control. Conversely, under rice paddy farming, soil fulvic acid was the main component and showed a moderate increase. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) demonstrated that protein-like and humic-like EPSs had the strongest direct effects on aggregate stability in arable land red soil, while fulvic acid was the key factor in rice paddy red soil. The present study demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris amendment improves aggregate stability in red soils through farming-specific, EPS-mediated pathways, providing a quantitative framework for researchers and land managers seeking to apply microalgal amendments for red soil enhancement and sustainable land management.

Background/Objective: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Rythu Bharosa schemes provide direct income support to farmers in India. This study examines the utilization patterns of scheme benefits among marginal and small paddy farmers in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, focusing on expenditure allocation across agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Understanding how beneficiaries utilize these funds is essential for assessing scheme effectiveness and designing targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 640 farmers (320 marginal and 320 small farmers) selected through stratified random sampling from four mandals (Ponnur, Kakumanu, Duggirala, and Tenali) in Guntur district. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule covering socio-economic characteristics and utilization patterns across sixteen expenditure categories. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including frequency distributions, percentages, and means. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine associations between farmer categories and utilization patterns. Results: Results revealed that 84.40% of sample farmers reported being indebted, with average annual incomes between ₹1,50,000-₹2,50,000 (55.90%). The scheme amount was primarily utilized for household expenses (85.90% significant utilization), clearing small debts (79.20%), and agricultural wages (77.70%). Complete utilization was reported for land preparation (51.60%) and harvesting support (42.80%). However, utilization for irrigation (68.90% no utilization), pesticides (30.00% no utilization), and non-agricultural assets (86.10% no utilization) remained minimal. Significant variations existed across mandals in utilization patterns (p<0.001). Conclusions: The PM-KISAN and Rythu Bharosa schemes serve dual purposes of supporting immediate agricultural needs and alleviating household financial distress among marginal and small farmers. While the schemes effectively support basic farming operations and debt management, limited utilization for productivity-enhancing inputs suggests the need for complementary extension services and financial literacy programs. Policy interventions should focus on increasing financial assistance amounts, providing targeted guidance on optimal fund utilization, and integrating the schemes with agricultural extension services to maximize productivity impacts. Keywords: PM-KISAN, Rythu Bharosa, utilization pattern, marginal farmers, small farmers, direct benefit transfer

Abstract Small-scale paddy farmers in the drought-prone villages of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, represent one of India’s most climate-vulnerable agricultural populations. Their lived realities—shaped by unpredictable rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and repeated crop losses—are frequently communicated to the public through climate crisis photography. However, despite the increasing global reliance on visual narratives to convey climate urgency, the representation of these farmers is seldom examined through a critical theoretical lens. This paper explores how categories of climate imagery produced by NGOs, environmental campaigns, international media, and sustainability organisations construct the identity, agency, and vulnerability of Dhamtari’s small-scale farmers. Drawing upon Postcolonial Theory (Spivak, Bhabha, Said), Visual Culture Studies, and Sustainability Communication frameworks, this research demonstrates that such photographs often operate within inherited colonial visual structures, reinforcing subalternity and limiting farmer agency. Instead of portraying farmers as knowledgeable ecological actors, the imagery frequently frames them as passive victims or symbolic figures of suffering. Through a theoretical methodology grounded in semiotic interpretation and critical discourse analysis, the paper studies patterns across categories of images—such as drought-awareness campaigns, food security posters, and news photo-stories—without analysing any specific copyrighted photographs. The analysis reveals that visual tropes such as exoticisation, eco-romanticism, and victim framing continue to dominate sustainability communication. These tropes risk reducing complex agricultural challenges to emotionally charged but oversimplified narratives. The paper argues that such representations influence public perception, humanitarian response, and policy-making by privileging external interpretations of climate hardship over farmer-centred understanding. The study concludes that ethical, decolonial visual storytelling is essential to climate communication. It calls for imagery that foregrounds the resilience, indigenous ecological knowledge, adaptive strategies, and agency of small-scale paddy farmers in Dhamtari, offering pathways for more just, accurate, and sustainability-aligned representation. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Postcolonial visuality, Climate communication narratives, visual communication, Semiotic interpretation.