Farm-centric based knowledge analysis on system of rice intensification for boosting paddy productivity

Abstract

SRI (System of Rice Intensification) cultivation has gained significant traction in the agricultural landscape of Odisha. This innovative approach to rice cultivation emphasizes the optimization of resources while increasing yield. The present study, aimed to assess the farmers’ knowledge of different practices under SRI in Ganjam district of Odisha were rice cultivated as major crop with purposive selection, then two developmental revenue blocks selected based on production potential and eighty farmers selected through probability proportionate simple random sampling method during 2022. The parametric and non-parametric statistical tools used for data analysis and meaningful interpretations were made. The findings suggest that most of SRI farmers had full knowledge on selection of land, land preparation, selection of seed, raising nursery, overall knowledge on SRI practices found as 80.71 per cent. Additionally, the study also indicates that about 66% to 68% respondents had full knowledge on maintaining water at soil saturation, providing drainage channel to avoid submergence and alternate drying and wetting; these practices are essential for successful SRI cultivation as they ensure the optimal growth conditions for rice plants. However, it is worth noting that more than 30% of respondents demonstrated only partial knowledge of these critical SRI practices. Among the 16 socio-economic attributes annual income had significance at 0.01% with knowledge of SRI farmers. There are rice farmers who need appropriate technological guidance and support from the extension functionaries to improve the knowledge level of recommended SRI practices.