Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

IMPACT OF PADDY VARIETAL DEMONSTRATIONS IN ADOPTION, KNOWLEDGE GAIN AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE OF TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT, T.N., INDIA

R. Manimekalai, P. Yogameenakshi, V.A. Vijayashanthi3, C. Tamilselvi, S. Arul Prasad and G. Sathish

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tiruvallur has been instrumental in conducting frontline demonstrations on high yielding, pest and disease resistant, submergence and salinity tolerant paddy varieties like CO 51, TKM 13, CR 1009 Sub 1 and TRY 3 in order to improve the existing yield level, net returns and also to address the specific environment related issues faced by the farmers. The KVK, Tiruvallur and the Department of Agriculture conducted varietal demonstrations and extension activities resulting in the adoption of CO 51 across 11,580 ha (25.7% of short-duration paddy area) and TKM 13 across 8,915 ha (17.29% of medium duration paddy area). CO 51 provided an additional income of Rs. 24,935/ha over ADT 43, with a cost saving of Rs. 5,510/ha. While TKM 13 yielded Rs. 25,330/ha more than BPT 5204, with a cost saving of Rs. 8,600/ha. Economic impact realized by way of cultivating CO 51 in an area of 11580 ha and TKM 13 in 8915 ha is 28.87 and 22.58 crores respectively. The introduction of CR 1009 Sub 1 in coastal area has helped farmers realize additional income of Rs.24150/ha over the check variety BPT 5204 and cost saving of Rs.5650/ ha with economic gain of Rs. 72.45 lakhs in 300ha. The introduction of TRY 3 variety has gained popularity among the coastal farmers and cultivated in about 215 ha and earned an economic gain of Rs. 7,33,150 to the farmers apart from addressing problems due to salinity like poor establishment and grain sterility. Cost saving of Rs. 3700/ha and additional net income of Rs.3410 over the check variety BPT 5204 has also been realized. This study clearly indicates the higher economic gains attained by the farmers. The area spread of the popular varieties shows an increasing trend and more area coverage is expected in the coming years. The knowledge gain by the farmers of various blocks of Tiruvallur had significantly improved after intervention where 82-86 per cent farmers had more than 50% knowledge about the high yielding varieties.