Impact of Rabi maize in paddy fallow through farmers’ participatory adoption

Maize is a staple food grain in the eastern Himalayas of India, traditionally grown only during the Kharif seasons using local cultivars. The cultivation of Rabi maize is a relatively new concept in the hills; however, favourable agro-climatic conditions offer potential for higher economic returns and proper utilisation of paddy fallow. A study was conducted in the adopted cluster villages (05 villages), Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, covering a 15-hectare area, using a participatory approach to investigate the adoption of improved maize cultivars during the Rabi season. The results showed that DA 61 A and RCM 75 had promising growth and yield performances (5.2-5.8 green cob MT/ha). Prior to intervention, all the respondents grew only local varieties, and the growing seasons were mainly Kharif (76.67 %) and Zaid (23.33 %), with none cultivating during the Rabi season. In the post-intervention period, most respondents partially adopted Rabi maize cultivation technology, with a 60.0 % overall adoption level. Partial adoption was mainly due to a preference for high-value vegetables (ranked first at 100 %) and non-availability of varieties (96.67 %). The highest gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio were recorded in improved cultivars (DA 61A and RCM 76). A negative correlation (r = -0.547*) was observed between disease incidence and Rabi maize yield. Adoption of Rabi maize cultivars shows promise for enhancing the socio-economic status and livelihoods of participating farmers.