Abstract:
Background: Rice is the primary staple crop for almost 50% of the world population. In 2050,
its demand will be increased by 28%. It is the primary cultivated crop in Sri Lanka occupying
34% of the total cultivated area.
Objectives: The agricultural sector in Sri Lanka is vulnerable to climate change. Therefore,
understanding the impact of climate change on paddy production is crucial to mitigate future
difficulties by adopting additional efforts.
Methods: The Scopus database was used to obtain thirty relevant publications on the impact
of climate change on paddy production published between 2010 and 2020. The articles focused
on Sri Lankan territories are selected and conference proceedings are excluded.
Results: Climate change alters the precipitation regime, sea-level rise and temperature, which
are highlighted in 23, 16, and 40% of the articles, respectively, with 20% highlighting all three.
As for sea-level rise, the effects of salinity can permeate throughout whole deltas and change
hydrological systems. Uncontrolled flooding hinders rice production because rice cannot
survive if submerged under water for long periods. Higher temperatures can decrease rice
yields as they can make rice flowers sterile and the quality of rice grain will be decreased. A
1% increase in temperature and rainfall leads to 3.44% and 0.12% decrease in current paddy
yield, respectively. Furthermore, CO2 levels, humidity changes and water scarcity affect the
yield. Rainless days for a week in upland and for two weeks in shallow lowland rice-growing
areas can significantly reduce rice yields. Rice diseases and pests are strongly influenced by
climate change. Furthermore, water shortages, irregular rainfall patterns, and related water
stresses increase the intensity of some diseases.
Conclusion: Climate change causes crop damage, low productivity and high production cost
leading to income losses for farmers and increasing their poverty level. Therefore, adaptation
practices are important to reduce these vulnerabilities.
