Perception about changes in Climate and Potential impact of such changes on Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Agriculture and Livelihoods at local level in Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

India is the country of small farm holders. About 85 per cent farmers come under small and marginal farming
categories. Stagnation in productivity and profitability of different enterprises, are posing serious challenges.
Therefore, poor income of farmers especially farming youth is a matter of national discussion, which causes luring
of farming youth to non farm sectors. On this background, purposively a study was conducted in Bundelkhand
Region of U.P. to find out the perception of rural youth on Farming as well as grounding information regarding
youth. Study reveals that participation of rural farming youth(up to 25 year age group) is declining day by day and
marginal farming youth quits farming more as compared to small and large farmers. The average annual income of
small and marginal farmer was less as compare to unskilled labour. About 92 per cent farmers practice farming due
to lack of any other options, while near about 89 per cent farmers accept that farming is not beneficial, 88 per cent
farming youth accept that poor income and poor living standard is responsible for luring rural youth to non farm
sector. Study also showed an alarming situation that 92 per cent of young farmers have not adopted farming
innovations during the last five years in their field as well as educated youth has not taken interest in farming. The
present paper deals with data regarding perception of peoples at local level in Jhansi district of Budelkhand region of
Uttar Pradesh.