Extreme weather events and its impacts on rice production in coastal Odisha region of India

Abstract

The study examines extreme daily precipitation and temperature trends in coastal Odisha, India by calculating 18 weather indices (8 temperature indices and 10 rainfall indices) using the RClimDex software package for the period 1980-2010. Statistical significance of the indices was determined through trend analysis using linear regression and non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. Results indicated, a strong and significant trend in temperature indices while the weak and non-significant trend in precipitation indices. The positive trend in Tmax mean, Tmin mean, TN90p (warm nights), TX90p (warm days), diurnal temperature range, warm spell duration indicator, consecutive dry days indicates increasing the frequency of warming events in coastal Odisha. Similarly, positive trend in highest maximum 1-day precipitation, highest maximum 2-consecutive day precipitation, highest maximum 3 consecutive day precipitation, highest maximum 5-consecutive day precipitation, number of heavy precipitation days (64.5mm), number of very heavy precipitation days (124.5mm) and negative trend in the number of rainy days (R2.5mm), consecutive wet days indicate changes toward the more intense and poor distribution of precipitation in coastal Odisha. Extreme precipitation and temperature events negatively impacted rice yield, with a sharp decline observed in all coastal districts. The study highlights the need for new technology/management practices to minimize these impacts.