Adoption pattern and constraints analysis of System of Rice Intensification

Adoption pattern and constraints analysis of System of Rice Intensification

P. Muthuraman, R. M. Kumar, K. Surekha, P. C. Latha, Ch. Padmavathi, V. Ravindra B= abu, L.V. SubbaRao and B.C. Vir= aktamath

Directorate of Rice Researc= h, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500030

Sys= tem of Rice Intensification (SRI) was introduced to the rice farmers of Andhra Pradesh through various agencies. Of the various organizations involved in popularizing SRI practices, three organizations i.e., ANGRAU, DRR, WWF and = an NGO (WASSAN) had demonstrated = the technology through training and organizing Frontline Demonstrations across = the state. Although the farmers were convinced by this proven method of rice cultivation, adoption level varied due to several reasons attributed by the= m. The perceived advantages and constraints faced by the farmers are studied a= nd documented by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists of DRR. The problems faced by the farmers to adopt all the six components of SRI method under fi= eld condition were analysed. The methodology used i= n this study includes personal interview, visit to farmers field by the multidisciplinary team, informal discussion with the farmers and extension functionaries, group discussion, participatory r= ural appraisal and brain storming session. Over 200 farmers representing all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh namely Telengana, Rayalseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh were covered in= the study.

Res= ults emerged out of this study revealed that 60 – 65 % of the farmers adop= ted this technology for a season or two and later they discontinued it for vari= ous reasons like labor non-availability in time, non-availability of cono-weeder to carry out the weeding operations, maintenance of weeders, water management problems r= aised due to incessant rains and frequent power cut in farms which were irrigate= d from wells. The laborers were not trained on how to uproot tender seedlings, transporting it from nursery to = main field and planting it with specified spacing and shallow planting.

Som= e of the innovative farmers modified the components according to their felt needs like fabricating their own markers and weeders = to suit to local conditions, instead of adult labor force they used students during holidays to transplant the seedlings and found it very effective. So= me farmers also fabricated new weeders to suit to = their local condition. The advantages of SRI&nbs= p; methods as perceived by farmers of this study includes less water requirement (71%) , les= s seed requirement (65%), more grain and straw yield (60%), area expansion under r= ice ( 34%), less requirements of both plant nutrients and pl= ant protection chemicals ( 31%), soil fertility retailed after a bumper harvest ( 28%) and ultimately cost of cultivation was reduced to the maximum extent= (25%).

The multidisciplinary team has come out with some practical suggestions such ea= sy raising of nursery, suitable varieties, proper water management, leveling requirement for uniform water application etc., to overcome the constraints faced by SRI farmers, which will ultimately enhance and expedite the adoption.

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