Assessment of Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices Promoted through Frontline Demonstrations and their Adoption Behaviour among Dryland Farmers in India

Abstract

Climate variability poses a serious challenge to rice production in dryland, tank-fed, and coastal ecosystems of Tamil Nadu of India, particularly in drought-prone districts such as Ramanathapuram. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a critical role in promoting climate-resilient agricultural technologies through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs); however, empirical evidence on their field-level performance and adoption behaviour remains limited. The present study assessed the performance and adoption of selected climate-resilient rice technologies promoted through FLDs by KVK Ramanathapuram during 2023–2024. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 rice farmers, comprising FLD beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The technologies evaluated included foliar nutrient application in rainfed rice, dry seeding with integrated crop management, short and medium duration rice varieties, saline-tolerant rice varieties, and ADT-57 for semi-dry cultivation. Results revealed that all demonstrated technologies recorded higher yields and benefit–cost ratios compared to farmers’ practices, with technology index values ranging from 8.3 to 20.0 per cent, indicating good field-level feasibility. Adoption analysis showed that a majority of farmers (53.4%) belonged to the medium adoption category. Extension contact, education, innovativeness, and risk orientation significantly influenced adoption behaviour. The study concludes that FLDs are an effective mechanism for promoting climate-resilient rice technologies; however, strengthening post-demonstration support, timely input supply, and ecosystem-specific advisories is essential to enhance sustained adoption in climate-vulnerable regions.