Adoption of Farm Mechanization in Rice Cultivation in Villupuram District

Abstract

Rice is a predominant food crop that was extensively cultivated and consumed in India. Recently, small and fragmented land holdings and labour scarcity during the peak season are driving farmers toward farm mechanization. Villupuram is one of the prominent districts with the maximum area under rice cultivation. The study was conducted to examine the adoption level of various recommended implements and machinery by rice farmers in the Villupuram district. Of the 13 blocks of Villupuram district three blocks were selected for this study. A total of 120 farmers were selected for the study using a proportionate random sampling method. This study was conducted during April and may 2022. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents had a medium level of adoption of farm implements and machinery in rice cultivation. Most respondents adopted a combined harvester, tractor, power tiller, rotavator and power sprayer. None of the respondents adopted bund maker, seed cum fertilizer drill, rice cum Daincha seeder, rotary weeder, power weeder, drone operated sprayer, reaper and thresher. Custom hiring facilities are required to rent the equipment on a payment basis and awareness should be made on specific equipment like, seed cum fertilizer drill, power weeder, Conoweeder and rotary weeder.