2025, Vol. 8, Special Issue 3

author(s)
Rani S, Veeraputhiran R, Sampathkumar T, Arthirani B and Gokulnath G

abstract
Agricultural productivity is significantly influenced by climatic factors, including temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variability. This study analyzes the impact of climate variability on the productivity of major cultivated crops in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu, over five consecutive years (2015-16 to 2019-20). Perambalur, a predominantly rainfed district, is a major producer of maize and cotton, with agriculture serving as a primary livelihood for the population. The study employs statistical methods such as trend analysis, correlation and regression to assess the relationship between climatic variables and crop yield. This study indicate that annual rainfall in the district varied between 529.44 mm and 1004.73 mm, with an average of 766 mm, while maximum and minimum temperatures exhibited a descending trend over the years. Correlation analysis revealed that rainfall had a greater influence on yield variation than temperature for most crops, accounting for over 50% of the yield variation in crops like rice, red gram, sorghum and pearl millet. However, minimum temperature significantly impacted cotton yield (77.5%), while maximum temperature influenced maize yield (75.7%). The study concludes that climate variability, particularly rainfall distribution, plays a crucial role in determining agricultural productivity. Understanding these climatic influences is essential for developing adaptive strategies to mitigate climate-induced risks and enhance crop resilience in the region.