EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY OF GROUNDNUT

ABSTRACT Climate change has emerged as a major threat to agricultural productivity, especially for rain-fed crops such as groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). This study investigated the effect of climate change on the growth, development, and yield of groundnut by examining how variations in temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events influence crop performance. The research combined field observations, experimental cultivation of SAMNUT 24 variety, and a review of recent empirical literature (2023– 2025). Results showed that excessive rainfall led to waterlogging, impaired root development, nutrient leaching, and reduced vegetative growth, while drought episodes caused severe water stress marked by leaf wilting, reduced leaf area, poor peg formation, and low pod filling. Temperature fluctuations further disrupted flowering and increased flower drop. These conditions collectively reduced plant height, leaf number, branch formation, and final yield. The findings align with existing studies indicating that climate variability negatively correlates with groundnut productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions. The study concludes that climate change significantly reduces groundnut yield through its effects on soil moisture imbalance, reproductive inefficiency, and physiological stress. It recommends the adoption of drought- and flood tolerant varieties, improved water management, timely planting based on weather forecasts, soil fertility enhancement, conservation agriculture, and integrated pest management to improve resilience. communities.