Area under different rice varieties in Chhattisgarh state

Introduction

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as the paramount staple food in Asia, with over 90 percent of global rice production and consumption occurring in this continent, home to 60 percent of the world's population. It plays a pivotal role in dietary intake, constituting 73 percent in Bangladesh, 40 percent in Nepal, and 30 percent in India. South Asia accounts for approximately 37 percent of the world's total rice area, and half of the rice-growing area in the region is rainfed. India, with a history of releasing rice varieties predating 1978, currently boasts a total of 1481 released rice varieties. However, only a select few gain popularities among farmers, often due to distinctive characteristics that resonate with agricultural practices and preferences. Chhattisgarh, the 26th state of the Indian Union, was established on November 1, 2000. Spanning approximately 136 lakh hectares, with cultivable land covering 58.81 lakh hectares and forest land comprising 60.76 lakh hectares; it boasts a population exceeding 2.07 crores. Agriculture plays a pivotal role; engaging about 80 percent of the state's populace and 43 percent of the arable land is under cultivation. Paddy stands as the principal crop, earning the central plains the designation of the rice bowl of central India. Other significant crops include coarse grains, wheat, maize, groundnut, pulses, and oilseeds. Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, headquartered in Raipur, serves as an autonomous non-profit research and educational organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers in Chhattisgarh. Noteworthy rice varieties developed by IGKV, Raipur, include Mahamaya, Poornima, Shyamla, Danteshwari, Indira Sugandhit Dhan-1, Bamleshwari, Samleshwari, Jaldubi, Chandrahasini, Indira sona, Indira barani dhan-1, Karma mahsuri, Maheshwari, Durgeshwari, Rajeshwari, and Indira aerobic-1 (Sarawagi et al., 2016) [7] . In Chhattisgarh, Agricultural Extension Services were established with the intent of providing practical and relevant information to rural clients, aiding them in addressing agricultural challenges. Agricultural extension officers play a pivotal role in disseminating information on natural resources, livestock, crops, optimal land utilization, irrigation schemes, water management, disease prevention, and cost-effective farming practices. The focus of agricultural extension officers is not merely on improving the farm but on enhancing the knowledge and skills of farmers. The overarching goal is to facilitate learning among those engaged in agriculture and livestock management. Typically considered public goods, extension services are often funded by the public sector in various countries.

Materials and Methods

In Chhattisgarh, there are currently 3799 posts of Rural Agriculture Extension Officers, with 2902 being active working posts and 897 remaining vacant. Approximately www.extensionjournal.com 2448RAEOs are presently engaged in fieldwork among the 2902 working posts, from which data were collected (Source: Anonymous, 2022, Directorate of Agriculture, Raipur). The census method was applied for collecting primary data from all the RAEO'S working in 33 districts under study. The data were collected by using structured interview schedule through Google forms for which the link for the data collection will be provided through different online modes like WhatsApp, email, messages as per the availability to the RAEO'S and their controlling officers for better turn up. The RAEO'S were insisted to provide the required data from their respective RAEO circle. And collected data were tabulated and processed by using appropriate statistical tools. The majority of respondents, 41.45%, cultivate rice on 1000-1250 hectares. Following closely, 24.91% manage 1250-1500 hectares. Subsequently, 17.84% cultivate rice on 750-1000 hectares. Lower percentages are observed in more than 2000 hectares (5.76%) and 1500-1750 hectares (5.20%) categories. The smallest proportions are found in 1750-2000 hectares, Up to 600 hectares, and 600-750 hectares categories, each making up only 2.60%, 1.12%, and 1.12% of the total, respectively. The distribution of respondents based on the area under transplanted rice shows that the highest percentage, at 33.83%, falls within the Up to 100 hectares category. Following closely, the 400-500 hectares category represents a significant portion at 19.14%. Subsequently, the 300-400 hectares category constitutes 16.91% of the respondents. Lower percentages are observed in the 500-600 hectares (11.15%) and more than 600 hectares (7.06%) categories. The smallest proportions are found in the 100-200 hectares and 200-300 hectares categories, each making up only 7.06% and 4.83% of the total, respectively. The highest percentage is observed in the 500-1000 hectares category, comprising a significant majority at 64.87% of the respondents. Following this, the 1000-1500 hectares category represents a substantial portion at 24.16%. Subsequently, the Up to 500 hectares category constitutes 5.58%, while 1500-2000 hectares, More than 4000 hectares, and 2000-2500 hectares each stand at relatively lower percentages of 2.23%, 0.56%, and 1.12%, respectively. The smallest proportions are found in the 2500-3000 hectares, 3000-3500 hectares, and 3500-4000hectares categories, each making up only 0.74%, 0.37%, and 0.37% of the total, respectively. The majority of respondents, at 21.75%, cultivate aromatic rice varieties on 10-15 hectares. Following closely, 18.96% manage 1-5 hectares. Subsequently, 21.38% report having no area under aromatic rice cultivation. Lower percentages are observed in 5-10 hectares (10.78%) and Up to 1 hectare (8.18%) categories. Smaller proportions are found in 20-25 hectares, 15-20 hectares, and More than 30 hectares categories, each making up only 6.88%, 7.06%, and 3.90% of the total, respectively. The smallest proportion, at 1.12%, is found in the 25-30 hectares category. It was also noted that about 1% of the total rice area is under aromatic rice varieties in the study area. The majority of respondents, at 54.09%, cultivate hybrid rice varieties on up to 100 hectares. Following closely, 21.00% manage 100-200 hectares. Subsequently, 19.33% report having no area under hybrid rice cultivation. Lower percentages are observed in 200-300 hectares (3.72%), 300-400 hectares (1.12%), 401-500 hectares (0.55%), and More than 500 hectares (0.19%) categories. The highest percentage is observed in the No area category, comprising 51.12% of the respondents. Following this, the Up to 5 hectares category represents a significant portion at 28.07%. Subsequently, the 5-10 hectares category constitutes 12.27%, while more than 30 hectares, 10-15 hectares, 15-20 hectares, 20-25 hectares, and 25-30 hectares each stand at relatively lower percentages of 3.35%, 1.86%, 1.67%, 1.30%, and 0.37% respectively.

Results and Discussion Area under different rice varieties 1. Area under rice crop

Area under Transplanted rice

Area under Broadcasted rice

Area under Aromatic rice varieties

Area under hybrid Rice varieties

Area under bio-fortified rice varieties

Area under summer rice

Area under Irrigated rice

Conclusion

The data reveals that the majority of respondents engage in rice cultivation across various hectare categories, with significant concentrations in the 1000-1250 hectares and up to 100 hectares ranges for different rice varieties. This indicates a diverse approach to rice farming, with varying scales of operation among the respondents.

References

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