Constraints Perceived by South Kerala Rice Farmers in Adoption of KAU-Recommended Technologies

Background: The primary food crop grown in Kerala is rice, which feeds the state’s expanding population. Kerala’s rice fields have lost land area steadily since the 1970s and are constantly being converted to other purposes. The rice fields of South Kerala are well known for their distinctive challenges that prevent rice varieties from reaching their maximum yield potential. The current study aimed to identify the constraints experienced and suggestions for refinement as perceived by the farmers. Methods: This study was carried out in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts representing the rice growing tracts of South Kerala during the year 2020-2021. About 15 respondents from one panchayat of each of these seven districts were selected totalling 105 farmer respondents and investigates the constraints encountered by rice farmers in this region. In the investigation, ex-post facto research design is being employed. The interview schedule was developed based on the objective of the study and review of literature. The information was collected by personal interview method. Constraints were analysed using Garrett’s ranking technique and suggestions were analysed according to their frequency and percentage. Result: The study focused on crop management and economic constraints and it was observed that high labour charges ranked first among constraints with garret score 402 followed by non availability of timely inputs and labours (357), flooding due to heavy rainfall (351), pest and disease incidence (337) and high loading charges (264). The important suggestions stated by the farmers for improving adoption of recommended rice cultivation practices and to reduce the yield gap includes making provisions for constructing check dams and strengthening bunds (93.33%) followed by making available combines and harvesters at less rent (85.71%), prioritization of agricultural activities in MGNREGA programme by providing labours (83.81%) etc.