Impact of Scientific Rice Cultivation Practices Under the Farmer FIRST Programme on Yield and Technology Adoption in Tribal Regions of Chhattisgarh

Background: The Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) introduced scientific rice cultivation technologies to improve productivity among tribal farmers in Chhattisgarh state, India. Methods: A survey of 200 farmers (100 beneficiaries and 100 non-beneficiaries) was conducted using structured interviews and an adoption checklist. A Difference-in-Difference (DiD) model estimated FFP’s impact on yield, supported by Welch’s t-test, chi-square tests, and the Friedman test to assess income gains, adoption constraints, and perceived benefits. Results: Beneficiary yields increased by 9.55 quintals/ha versus 5.02 quintals/ha for controls, yielding a net gain of 4.52 quintals/ha (p < 0.01). DiD regression confirmed significant productivity gains (R2 = 0.68). Income increased by ₹30,928.25 for beneficiaries (p < 0.01). Key constraints included limited access to quality seed and delayed information, while farmers ranked knowledge enhancement and yield improvement highest. Implications: FFP significantly improved rice productivity and income. Addressing seed supply and strengthening extension services will be vital for sustaining adoption of improved practices.