Association of Agrometeorologists

Vulnerability assessment of kharif rainfed sorghum to climate change in SAT regions of India

K. BOOMIRAJ, S. MARIMUTHU, SUHAS P. WANI, S. RAVIKUMAR, MANIKANDAN and S. TANI

This paper presents results of Info Crop model evaluation in terms of its validation, sensitivity impact and adaptation of sorghum to climate change in semi arid tropics (SAT) regions of India. The model has reasonably predicted phenology, crop growth yield. Sorghum crop was found to be sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and temperature. Future climate change scenario analysis showed that sorghum yields are likely to reduce at Akola, Anantpur, Coimbatore and Bijapur. At Kota the sorghum yield is likely to increase at 2020 and no change at 2050 and yield will reduce at 2080. The increase in yield at Gwalior and Kota at 2020 is due to reduction in maximum temperature and increase in rainfall from current. Adoption of adaptation measure like one irrigation (50mm) at 40-45 days after sowing would be better adaptation strategies for rainfed kharif sorghum with existing varieties in the selected location of the SAT regions.

InfoCrop, simulation, validation, adaptation, dry matter, leaf area index, maturity, India, SAT.