Assessment of technological and skill gaps in paddy seed production in Jagtial district

Introduction

Paddy seed production is fundamental to enhancing agricultural productivity, securing national food supply, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across India. Among various inputs, highquality seed plays a pivotal role-contributing nearly 20-25% to crop yield improvements when adopted effectively (Singh et al., 2017) [12] . However, in Telangana-especially in Jagtial district-the potential of paddy seed production is hindered by several technological and skillbased challenges that affect both seed quality and overall productivity. A number of studies have underscored the limitations in farmers' adoption of recommended seed production practices. Ghritlahre et al. (2018) [2] identified critical barriers such as restricted access to certified seeds, insufficient knowledge regarding rouging techniques, and poor pest and disease management. Reddy et al. (2020) [10] further noted that the lack of practical training and limited technical advisory services severely constrain the capacity of farmers to follow scientifically validated seed production protocols. Scientific methods are crucial in paddy seed production to enhance seed quality, ensure varietal purity, and improve overall farm productivity. However, recent research indicates that many farmers still rely heavily on traditional practices and informal seed sources. Kumar et al. (2021) [3] observed that such reliance results in inconsistent seed quality and lower germination rates. Similarly, Rani and Rajendran (2020) [9] found that essential operations like rouging, maintaining isolation distances, and seed treatment are often overlooked due to limited technical knowledge and lack of practical training. In South India, a study by Patil et al. (2022) [8] highlighted that while awareness of certified seed production practices has improved, actual adoption remains low. This gap is attributed to issues such as labor shortages, inadequate access to technical guidance, and minimal exposure to onfield demonstrations. Additionally, Yadav et al. (2023) [13] emphasized the growing relevance of digital and mobile-based advisory services in disseminating timely and accurate information to farmers. However, the reach and effectiveness of these tools remain limited in rural areas due to infrastructural and accessibility challenges. Bhattacharya & Saha reported that limited access to certified seeds and lack of awareness were major barriers in West Bengal. Chander et al. (2020) [1] highlighted skill deficiencies in key seed production practices like rouging and pest management, similar to the critical skill gaps identified at grain formation and tillering stages. Kumar et al. (2021) [4] found that farmers' practical training deficits led to inconsistent seed quality, which aligns with observation of technological gaps such as improper spacing and nursery management. Mishra & Gupta (2022) [5] noted labor shortages and insufficient technical advisory support as constraintsvon labor and knowledge constraints affecting seed purity maintenance. Naik & Reddy (2021) [6] emphasized the role of extension services in reducing knowledge gaps, supporting the recommendation for capacity-building and field demonstrations. Patil & Rao (2019) [7] identified socio-economic factors influencing adoption rates, which focus on farmer-specific constraints affecting technology uptake. Reddy & Rani (2020) [11] stressed the need for skill development programs targeted at seed producers, directly backing your call for skill-based training and farmer cooperatives. In light of the existing challenges, the present study aims to conduct a detailed assessment of the technological and skillrelated gaps among paddy seed-producing farmers in Jagtial district, Telangana. The research also examines the informationseeking behavior of farmers to understand how they acquire and apply knowledge related to seed production. By identifying the major constraints faced in the field and evaluating current knowledge systems, the study seeks to recommend locationspecific, practical interventions. These insights are intended to guide the development of more effective, farmer-friendly strategies that enhance productivity, promote the adoption of improved practices, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the paddy seed sector in the region. Objectives 1. To analyze the socio-economic profile of seed-producing farmers. 2. To identify technological and skill gaps in paddy seed production. 3. To assess constraints and record farmer suggestions. 4. To understand farmers' information management behavior.

Methodology

The study employed a descriptive survey research design to systematically assess the technological and skill gaps among paddy seed-producing farmers. This approach enabled the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data to gain insights into prevailing practices, constraints, and information behavior patterns of farmers. The research was conducted in Jagtial district of Telangana, a prominent area for paddy seed production. Five villages-Gullapeta, Laxmipur, Kalleda, Nagaram, and Polasa-were purposively selected based on their active involvement in certified seed production and accessibility. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 120 farmers engaged in paddy seed production. From each village, 24 farmers were chosen based on their participation in seed production during the last two cropping seasons, ensuring representation of varying farm sizes and experience levels. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule, which included closed-and open-ended questions The tool was pre-tested for reliability and content validity, and necessary modifications were made before administering the final version. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and ranking. Skill gaps were assessed using the Gap Index formula is use to identify the technology and skill gaps in paddy seed production. Garette ranking technique was calculated to identify the most pressing issues faced by the farmers. The majority of farmer seed growers in the study were middleaged, had primary education, and possessed moderate farming experience. Most relied on bore wells for irrigation and had medium levels of exposure to mass media. A large portion showed high innovativeness, but low participation in sociopolitical activities. However, risk-taking ability was moderately strong, indicating openness to trying new agricultural practices.

Results and Interpretation

Technology Gap Index (TGI)

The Technology Gap Index was assessed for 12 recommended practices in paddy seed production among 120 farmers. The results revealed that significant gaps exist in several key areas.

The highest gap (30.0%) was recorded for the practice of growing the same variety in the previous season, which ranked first among all practices. This suggests that a considerable number of farmers either lack awareness of varietal rotation or continue with traditional preferences, potentially compromising genetic purity and seed quality.

The second and third highest gaps were seen in knowledge of proper spacing (28.33%) and pest/disease management in the nursery (25.0%), indicating insufficient technical know-how and limited access to scientific agronomic recommendations. Moderate gaps were observed in nursery manuring (23.33%), cleaning of tools and equipment to avoid physical/genetic mixture (21.67%), and seed treatment with fungicides (18.33%). These practices are essential to ensure healthy seedlings and prevent contamination but appear to be inadequately adopted. Practices such as maintaining isolation distance (15.0%), transplanting at the correct depth with proper seedling number (13.33%), and adequate irrigation and drainage (11.67%)

showed relatively lower gaps, indicating a moderate level of awareness and adherence. Notably, the lowest gaps were observed in following proper seed rate (10.0%) and procurement of seed from authenticated sources (5.0%), suggesting that these practices are widely followed, likely due to institutional linkages or routine practices facilitated by local seed agencies.

Skill Gap

Skill Gap Index (SGI)

The Skill Gap Index analysis for six core seed production skills revealed that roguing-related skills were most deficient among farmers.

The highest skill gap (35.0%) was recorded for roguing at the grain formation stage, followed closely by removal of off-types at the tillering stage (31.67%). These two stages are critical for ensuring genetic purity of seed, and the high gaps suggest that farmers either lack identification skills or neglect these practices due to labor or knowledge constraints. A moderate gap (23.33%) was observed in knowledge of seed treatment with fungicides, reflecting partial awareness but likely inadequate hands-on understanding or demonstration of the methods.

Skill gaps for roguing at flowering stage (20.0%) and performing roguing at all critical stages (18.33%) were comparatively lower, indicating some level of engagement but still below the desired competency levels. The lowest gap (13.33%) was seen in seed cleaning skills, implying that basic post-harvest handling practices are relatively well understood and practiced, likely due to repetition and simplicity.

Constraints in

Based on Garrett's ranking

The Garrett ranking method was employed to systematically identify and prioritize the constraints perceived by farmers in the adoption and execution of paddy seed production practices. The analysis revealed several critical issues that hinder the effective implementation of quality seed production protocols in Jagtial district.

The most significant constraint, as indicated by the highest mean Garrett score (83.00), was the difficulty in performing rouging operations. This finding underscores the technical complexity of rouging, which involves the identification and removal of offtype plants to maintain genetic purity. The lack of proper training or field-level demonstrations likely contributes to farmers' discomfort and inaccuracies during this process.

Closely following this was the lack of knowledge in identifying off-types (73.00), highlighting the need for focused capacitybuilding initiatives aimed at improving farmers' visual and traitbased recognition of varietal purity.

The non-availability of skilled labour (66.00) ranked third, indicating that even when farmers are aware of the required practices, they face difficulties in executing them due to workforce limitations. This is particularly relevant in the context of increasing rural-urban migration and limited availability of trained agricultural labourers. Mid-ranked constraints such as the laborious nature of seed production (61.00) and high seed cost (56.00) suggest operational and economic deterrents. Although these factors did not rank at the top, they still play a role in dissuading small and marginal farmers from venturing into seed production, which requires more precision, effort, and initial investment than general cultivation. Lower-ranked but still noteworthy were issues like the low risktaking ability of farmers (48.00) and misconceptions about seed purity (43.00). These reflect behavioural and perceptional barriers that may not be easily resolved through technical interventions alone but require sustained extension efforts, trustbuilding, and demonstration of successful seed producers as role models.

Interestingly, constraints such as the increase in cost of cultivation, fear of weather-related losses, and lack of technical guidance were ranked lowest, with scores ranging from 39.00 to 17.00. This suggests that while these issues do exist, they are not the primary concerns in the eyes of the farmers surveyed.

Results & Interpretation

More than half of the respondents (53.33%) exhibited a medium level of information input behavior, indicating that a majority of farmers moderately engage in seeking seed production-related information. Only 16.67% of farmers had high input behavior, suggesting that a relatively small group actively acquires knowledge from various sources such as extension personnel, fellow farmers, digital platforms, or institutions. Meanwhile, 15% of farmers demonstrated low input behavior, which could be due to limited awareness, access issues, or reliance on traditional practices. This emphasizes the need to enhance information outreach, particularly for farmers in the low category.

The majority (48.33%) of the farmers had a medium level of information processing behavior, meaning they can somewhat evaluate, store, and apply the information they receive. A significant 26.67% of farmers were classified under high processing behavior, reflecting strong cognitive ability and confidence in using agricultural knowledge effectively. However, 25% of farmers had low processing behavior, indicating difficulties in evaluating or internalizing information, which can hinder technology adoption. These findings underline the importance of skill-building initiatives and participatory learning approaches to strengthen information handling and application.

A majority of farmers (45%) had a medium level of information dissemination behavior, indicating they occasionally share information with fellow farmers, group members, or during informal interactions. 41.67% exhibited low dissemination behavior, suggesting hesitancy or lack of platforms to communicate their knowledge. Only 13.33% of farmers were in the high category, who could serve as potential farmer facilitators, role models, or trainers. This highlights the need to create more community-based extension platforms, such as farmer field schools, group meetings, and peer-to-peer sharing models, to encourage wider dissemination.

Conclusion

This study on Technology and Skill Gap Analysis in Paddy Seed Production in Jagtial District has revealed significant barriers that hinder the adoption of scientific seed production practices. Key constraints include inadequate knowledge of rouging, lack of knowledge on off types and shortage of skilled labour, The insights gained through Garrett Ranking and farmer responses underline the need for targeted interventions such as on-field demonstrations, hands-on training, cooperative development, and improved access to expert advisory services. These measures can directly address the identified gaps and empower farmers with the necessary skills and confidence to participate effectively in quality seed production.By systematically addressing these challenges, the region can witness improvements in seed quality, production efficiency, and farmer income, thereby contributing to the overall strengthening of the seed supply chain in Jagtial district.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementSincere thanks to the farmers of Jagtial district for their active participation and valuable responses during the survey. The support extended by the staff of the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial, in facilitating field interactions and data collection is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also express their gratitude to Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, for providing necessary facilities and encouragement to carry out this study.

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