Improving Productivity of Semi Dry Rice Through Field Demonstrations in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Field demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s field under semi dry rice cultivation in direct sowing by seed drill with short duration drought tolerant rice variety RMD 1. A total of 155 field demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s fields by ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. The selected farmers were trained for improved production technologies through training programmes organized by this Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Local variety with their indigenous cultivation practices was considered as farmer’s practice (control). The yield and economics of field demonstrations were compared with farmer’s practices. An average yield of 5,001 kg.ha-1 was recorded from RMD 1 demonstrations which showed 10.25 % increase over the farmers practice (4535 kg.ha-1). Farmers have obtained additional revenue of Rs. 14,300 ha-1 from semi dry rice field demonstrations with short duration rice variety, which may motivate the farmers to adopt this intervention in this district with the improved rice production technologies. The field demonstration on new varietal introduction effectively influenced the attitudes, skill and knowledge related to improved practices in rice cultivation, fostering adoption. It also enhances the relationship between farmers and scientists.