Author(s):

Sangeet and Raj Kumar

Abstract: Intensification of the rice-wheat system requires innovative knowledge-based technologies to ensure higher yield and the efficient use of inputs to maximize the profit of farmers with lower cultivation costs along with better resource conservation and system sustainability. As a part of this strategy, resource conserving technologies (RCTs) may play a major role. To study the use of RCTs in paddy crop in Punjab, one district was selected randomly from each agro-climatic zone of the state, and from each selected district a sample 50 farmers were selected at random constituting a total sample of 250 farmers. On an average, about 72 per cent of the sampled farmers have used laser land leveler. Only about six per cent respondents were found to be using tensiometer for irrigation scheduling in paddy. About 89 per cent of the respondents had not used LCC for application of nitrogenous fertilisers and about 93 per cent did not use DSR for paddy cultivation. Also none of the farmers transplanted paddy mechanically. All the farmers of Zone IV had used laser land leveler while about 78 per cent farmers of Zone II were doing so. In Zone V, only about 7 per cent respondents had adopted tensiometer. The adoption of LCC was poor in all the zones. About 10 per cent of the farmers of Zone I and Zone II each were using DSR. The major reason for adoption of these RCTs was their cost effectiveness, followed by saving of irrigations, reduction in insect- pest and diseases, etc. On the other hand, the major constraints in adoption and discontinuation of these RCTs were non-availability of required implements at peak time, self confidence in own practices, cost of implements, shortage of skilled persons, free electricity for irrigation and fear of theft of instruments. The study reveals vast scope for the developmental departments to intervene and improve the adoption level of RCTs by educating farmers about modern agricultural practices. To encourage the equitable and sustainable growth in adoption of these technologies, steps like encouragement of farmers by providing required machinery at subsidized rates, creating awareness about environmental consequences of excessive use of natural resources/ inputs through extension efforts along with effective transfer of technology may play a pivotal role.

Pages: 169-175  |  1161 Views  218 Downloads

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