Impact of Manure Synergy on Growth and Yield in Paddy Cultivation through Frontline Demonstrations in ASR District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kondempudi conducted 30 Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) on organic paddy cultivation covering 12 ha over three consecutive years (2022–23 to 2024–25) in farmers’ fields of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district to evaluate the performance of an integrated organic farming package in comparison with traditional farmer practices. The demonstrations followed the organic package of practices developed by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), comprising green manuring, farmyard manure (10 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB, KRB), neem cake application, seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens, and soil application of liquid organic formulations, whereas farmers’ practice involved the sole application of FYM at 6.25 t ha⁻¹.Pooled analysis revealed that the demonstrated organic package recorded a significantly higher mean grain yield of 34.2 q ha⁻¹, representing a 29% increase over farmers’ practice (26.5 q ha⁻¹). The integrated organic approach also resulted in superior economic returns, with an average net income of ₹40,790 ha⁻¹ and a benefit–cost (B:C) ratio of 2.12, compared to ₹28,179 ha⁻¹ net income and a B:C ratio of 1.91 under traditional practice. Yield enhancement under demonstrations was attributed to improved nutrient availability, better crop growth, and enhanced soil biological activity due to the combined application of multiple organic inputs rather than FYM alone. The study clearly demonstrates that adoption of an integrated organic nutrient management package can substantially enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of paddy cultivation in tribal farming systems.