This study examined the characteristics and challenges faced by beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the NICRA project in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, involving 50 beneficiaries and 50 non-beneficiaries with 1520 and 464 animals, respectively. Among beneficiaries, most were middle-aged, male, with middle school education, high income, and diversified farming practices, including self-sourced fodder. They exhibited high confidence, innovativeness, and training exposure in climate-resilient agriculture, with moderate access to credit and mass media. In contrast, non-beneficiaries had lower educational levels (primary school), limited exposure to climate-resilient training, and lower innovativeness and mass media engagement. Both groups faced common challenges in adopting climate-resilient technologies, such as high concentrate feeding costs, water shortages for fodder crops, inadequate government policies, and limited access to improved fodder varieties and grazing land. Key barriers also included insufficient financial resources and a lack of awareness about climate variability.

Climate resilient technology, Climate variability, Diversification, Limitations and NICRA

In conclusion, NICRA beneficiaries demonstrated higher adaptability to climate-resilient technologies due to their middle-age demographic, larger livestock holdings (goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes), higher annual incomes, and self-reliance in fodder production. These factors enhanced their confidence, innovativeness, and risk-taking capacity. While most beneficiaries exhibited moderate mass media exposure, there is a need to improve their awareness and participation in extension activities for better access to agricultural information. Additionally, their participation in more than eight training programs significantly contributed to their knowledge and adoption of climate-resilient practices. Conversely, NICRA non-beneficiaries, predominantly older farmers with primary-level education, faced limitations in self-confidence, credit access, risk orientation, and innovativeness due to lower incomes and limited training exposure. Their low mass media engagement further hindered their access to critical agricultural information. Farmers suggested actionable measures for better adoption of climate-resilient technologies, including subsidized concentrate feed, timely input supply (e.g., improved fodder seeds), financial assistance for water harvesting structures (e.g., tankas and beris), enhancement of market infrastructure, and promotion of livestock insurance schemes to safeguard against natural disasters. Addressing these needs will strengthen resilience and productivity among farming communities.

Sarjeet Yadav, Sonam Agarwal, S. Kachhawaha, Chandrika Sharma and Ramesh Chandra Jat (2025). Limitations Encountered in Adaptation of Climate Resilient Technology by NICRA Beneficiaries and Non-beneficiaries in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 17(1): 69-73.