Extent of adoption of recommended DSR practices for Sali rice in upper Assam

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the extent of adoption of recommended Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) practices by Sali rice growers in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam. A sample of 120 respondents was selected using the Proportionate Probability Sampling (PPS) method from Jorhat, Golaghat, and Sivasagar districts. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Results showed a progressive increase in adoption from 2019-20 to 2023-24, with full adoption by all respondents in the final year. Key practices like time of sowing, land preparation, sowing method, spacing, and harvesting were universally adopted, while practices like seed treatment (17.50%) and herbicide application (43.33%) had lower adoption. Most respondents (70.00%) exhibited a medium adoption level. Significant correlations were found between adoption and variables such as training exposure, mass media exposure, economic motivation, and awareness of climate-smart technologies. However, no significant variation in adoption was observed across the three districts. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening extension services and designing uniform interventions to promote DSR adoption sustainably.