<p>Rice is central to livelihoods and food security in Odisha, yet production is increasingly affected by droughts, floods, and cyclones. Although improved and climate-resilient rice varieties have the potential to reduce these risks, adoption remains uneven across the state. This study examines the factors shaping adoption of improved rice varieties in three climate-vulnerable districts of Odisha and evaluates their effect on farm income. Using data from 880 farm households, a probit model was applied to identify key determinants of adoption, and Propensity Score Matching was used to estimate the income effects. Education, farm size, caste, gender of household head, and non-farm income significantly influenced adoption decisions. Male-headed households and farmers with larger landholdings and higher education were more likely to adopt improved varieties. The impact analysis shows that adopters earned higher income from rice cultivation than comparable non-adopters. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening seed access, targeting women farmers through tailored extension, and promoting climate-resilient varieties in risk-prone regions.</p>