Perceived Constraints in Adoption of Dry Direct Sown Rice Technology in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
P. Venkata Rao *
ANGRAU, ARS, Seethampeta, Parvathipuram Manyam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
S. Neelaveni
Agricultural Polytechnic, Thogaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
G. Chitti Babu
Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh, India.
J. Jagannadham
Agricultural College, Naira, ANGRAU, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rice is a predominant crop in Srikakulam district vis a vis to Andhra Pradesh. In previous years, farmers were used to go for transplanting method of rice cultivation. Due to labour scarcity, hike in labour wages and high cost of cultivation, farmers are going for dry direct sown rice in Srikakulam district. Out of 2 lakh ha of rice in Srikakulam, 1 lakh ha of area under Direct Sown Rice but yields are not improved and in recent years, the cost of cultivation in this method also escalating. Keeping this in view, an extension study on “Study on Constraints in Dry Direct Sown Rice in Srikakulam District.” has been taken up as a part of SLTP 2022 discussions. Exploratory research design was used for the study. Purposive and Simple random sampling procedure was followed for the study. Two mandals were selected purposefully based on the extent of Direct Sown Rice from each revenue division (3). From each mandal two villages were selected purposively. 5 farmers were selected randomly from each selected village. Thus, the total sample size was 60. An interview schedule was developed and data were collected. Frequency, percentage and Rank Based Quotient was used as statistical tools for analysing data. Results of the study revealed that majority 63.34 per cent farmers had medium knowledge on cultivation of rice in dry direct sown method followed by high (23.33%) and low (13.33%). Nearly half (53.33%) of the farmers had partial adoption and 20 per cent of the selected farmers had full adoption. Selected sample farmers equally (13.33%) had over adoption and non adoption. Constraint analysis depicted that High weed infestation was the first rank constraint(100%),Poor germination due to insufficient/excessive moisture was the 2nd rank(96.67%), Lack of proper irrigation management was identified by 56 farmers (93.33%) was the 3rd rank, Incidence of BPH is more prevalent was the 4th rank (86.67%),Growing of green manure crop is not possible was the 5th rank(83.33%), Optimum plant population maintenance is difficult was cited by 48 farmers (80%) was the 6th rank. There is a need of extension efforts to improve the farmers adoption by enhancing the farmers knowledge on timely application of fertilizers and weedicides by organising more no. of training programmes and Front Line Demonstrations. District Officials should play key role in making convergence between Department of Agriculture and Irrigation Department of the district for proper planning of varietal selection and to make the operations for fixing of sowing window which is very crucial in dry direct sown rice.
Keywords: Dry direct sown rice, labour scarcity, adoption, constraints, weed infestation, extension services