Impact of Varietal Demonstrations on the Productivity and Sustainability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Popularization of newly released variety in a new environment was important to increase the productivity and sustainability on a particular location. Keeping this inview, field demonstrations were carried out at farmer’s field by introducing drought tolerant rice variety TKM 15. The variety was released by Rice Research Station, (TNAU), Thirurkuppam, during 2022. A total of ten, field demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s field organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Villupuram, and Tamil Nadu during Kharif 2023. The farmers cultivating variety ADT 37was used as the check variety (farmer’s practice). An average yield of 4,925kg.ha-1 was recorded from TKM 15 demonstrations which showed 7.75% increase over the farmers cultivating variety (4570kg.ha-1). The farmers have obtained additional revenue of Rs. 10,100ha-1from TKM 15 demonstrations, which may motivate the farmers to adopt TKM 15 variety with the improved rice production technology. The Front-Line Demonstration on new variety introduction, effectively influenced the attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to improved or recommended practices in paddy cultivation, fostering adoption. It also enhanced the relationship between farmers and scientists, fostering mutual confidence.