Constraints perceived by paddy cultivators in Theni district, Tamil Nadu

Introduction

Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world and it is the staple food for over 2.7 billion peoples. 44.6 m ha of area was under rice cultivation with total output of 80 million tonnes and 1855kg/ha of productivity which contributes about 92% of total area and production in India (TNAU Export system) [1] . It contributes 10% agricultural GDP. Productivity of paddy has increased with some fluctuations at the rate of 1.53% per annum. Due to climate change, the effect of extreme events such as floods, drought and hailstorms are worsening, threatening national and global food security. "RICE IS LIFE" for almost all the human beings (Meher et al.) [2] . The United Nations declared 2004 to be the "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RICE" (Maheshwar and Sharma, 2011) [3] . Indian rice production largely depends on monsoon rains and only 59% area have assured irrigation facilities. The area during first plan was 30.68 m ha and it had reached to 243.64 m ha, during 11 th plan which is nearly 42.2% area increased of first plan. The rice production has registered an appreciable increase from 25.30 million tonnes during first plan to 97.05 tonnes during 11 th plan, which is nearly four times over the first plan. The yield was 816kg/ha during first plan and increased to 2224kg/ha during 11 th plan. Bran and rice polish are used as livestock feed. Oil processed from the bran for both food and industrial uses. Broken rice is used for brewing, distilling and in manufacturing of starch and rice flour whereas Hulls are used for fuel, packing material, Industrial grinding, fertilizer manufacture and in the manufacture of an industrial chemical called furfural. The straw is being used for feed and also in livestock bedding, roof thatching, mats, garments, packing material and broom straws (Pratap et al., 2020) [4] .

Objective

To identify the constraints encountered among the paddy growers through personal contact To prioritize the research area through Percentage analysis and Garett's ranking technique

Methodology

The study was undertaken in Theni district of Western Zone of Tamil Nadu which has eight blocks. Among the eight blocks, Theni and Aundipatti blocks were purposively selected for the study as it had the highest area under paddy cultivation. One village selected from each block viz., Veerapandi in Theni block and Kunnur in Aundipatti block was purposively selected, as they have more area and www.extensionjournal.com productivity. Thirty respondents were selected randomly from each of the selected village. Total number of respondents selected was 60. Pre-tested and well-structured interview schedule was used for collecting information on paddy cultivation. The study was conducted during the months of May -July 2023. The collected data was analyzed using the following statistical techniques; 1) percentage analysis and 2) Garrett's ranking.

Percentage analysis: It refers to a special kind of rates, percentages are used in making comparison between two or more series of data collected from the respondents. A percentage is used to show the relationship between the series. Percentage = (No. of respondents/ Total No. of respondents) * 100

The Percentage was calculated to measure variables.

Percentage analysis was used in descriptive analysis for making simple comparison.

Garrett's ranking: Data on problems faced by paddy cultivars was assessed using garret ranking method, which was developed by Garret and Woodworth (1969) [5] . The respondent's preferences were ranked according to several parameters using this procedure. This approach asks respondents to rank all of the elements, and the results of that ranking are then turned into a score value using the formula below, Percent position = 100(R ij -0.5)/N j Where, R ij = Rank given for the i th constraint by the j th individual N j = Number of the factors ranked by the j th individual [6] . Lack of technical guidance (81.7%) is the fourth major constraint as the training given by the agricultural department is not informed priorly to the farmers. Lack of timely procurement of paddy in TNCSC (80.0%) is the fifth major constraint, as the produces are not procured in time, the produces often are stored in open floor which leads to loss of grains. Fluctuations in price (76.7%) is due to high demand and less supply of the produces. Lack of transportation facilities (70.9%), More incidence of pest and disease (63.3%), Long distance from village to market (60.0%), issues in subsidy distribution system (56.7%) are the other problems reported by the respondents of the study areas.

Results and Discussion

Garrett's Ranking

A focused group discussion was conducted for paddy farmers in Kunnur village of Aundipatti block. Twenty farmers were actively involved in the discussion, and they ranked the problems they are mainly facing during the paddy cultivation process. www.extensionjournal.com [7] , Hight rate of interest (13 th ), lack of information (14 th ). www.extensionjournal.com

Prioritization of the research

The following areas may be given priority for research,  Research should focus on developing resistant varieties with best pest management strategies  Produce high-quality seeds with all the required characters and well adaptable in all climatic condition which should be affordable by small farmers  Adopt mechanization and can take the help of FAAS (farming-as-a-service) for cultivation practices  Government should focus on highly protected public storage infrastructure to avoid post-harvest losses  Fluctuating price should be stabilized and correct information must be given to all farmers about market activities like arrivals, price etc.  Water-efficient irrigation technologies and well adoptive cropping systems should be practiced  Government should help farmers by providing credit facilities and subsidies in order to reduce their financial burden  Better access to market and cost-effective transport facilities should be focused  Offer training about digital tools and its services to the farmers

Conclusion

From the study, it was concluded that, the major problem faced by paddy cultivators in paddy cultivation were constraints of heavy damage from birds and rats, high incidence of pests and diseases, Unavailability of good quality seeds and inputs, high labor wages, Fluctuations in price, Lack of technical guidance, delayed paddy procurement, exploitation by middleman, Lack of transportation facilities and undesirable climatic conditions. This study suggests prioritizing research in developing resistant varieties with best pest management strategies, produce high-quality seeds with all the required characters and well adaptable in all climatic condition which should be affordable by small farmers, highly protected public storage infrastructure to avoid post-harvest losses, Water-efficient irrigation technologies and well adoptive cropping systems and Offer training about digital tools and its services to the farmers. Addressing these constraints is crucial for ensuring sustainable rice production and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

References

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