Evaluating climate vulnerability in dairy farming systems across agro climatic zones in Jharkhand State of India: a scientific analysis of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity parameters.

Indian dairy farming systems face significant challenges from climate change, which negatively impacts milk production. Despite this, research addressing the issue remains scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the climate vulnerability of dairy farming across three agro climatic zones in Jharkhand: Zone IV (Central and North Eastern Plateau), Zone V (Western Plateau), and Zone VI (South Eastern Plateau). Using a multidisciplinary framework based on the IPCC's 2007 guidelines, the research evaluates the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of dairy farming systems to climate hazards. By analyzing 30 years of historical climate data, we identify trends and changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events impacting dairy production. Secondary data collection involves rigorous scrutiny of online sources and comprehensive field visits for firsthand insights. The findings reveal disparities in climate vulnerability across the zones, influenced by geographical, socio-economic, and dairy farming factors. Zone V is the most vulnerable, with a vulnerability index of 0.548, driven by high exposure (0.471) despite moderate sensitivity (0.492). Zone VI has the lowest vulnerability index (0.498) due to substantial adaptive capacity (0.481), despite high sensitivity (0.533). This vulnerability assessment highlights the need for context-specific adaptation strategies to enhance dairy farming resilience. From the study it can be concluded that, interventions including improving fodder and water management, bolstering veterinary services and extension programmes, promoting climate-resilient animal breeds, and optimizing subsidy mechanisms may be considered for building resilience against climate change impacts on dairy farming.