Impact of KVK training on improving socio-economic status of paddy growers in Southern India

Abstract

Paddy plays a critical role in global nutrition, with over half of the world's population relying on it as a staple food. The focus on India, the second-largest global producer of paddy, and specifically the Cuddalore district, sheds light on the transformative impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) initiatives on the socio-economic status of paddy growers. To know the impact of the KVK Training programme among KVK Vridhachalam trained paddy growers, the study was conducted in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. 150 Paddy growers were selected as respondents from 15 Paddy growing villages by employing simple random sampling techniques. Results reveal significant positive changes, including a 19.17% increase in income, enhanced mechanization, formation of Farmer Producer Organizations, seed production adoption, and the initiation of direct marketing and value addition. These findings underline the multifaceted benefits of KVK training in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of paddy growers. The study contributes valuable insights for future agricultural development strategies, emphasizing the need for continued support for initiatives like KVK.