Constraints Faced by the Rice Farmer Beneficiaries of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in Adoption of Recommended Angrau Technologies

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the constraints faced by rice farmers under RKVY, their suggestions and a strategy was developed to overcome the constraints. The present study was conducted in 3 districts viz Srikakulam, Nellore and West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. Ex post facto research design was used and data was collected through interview schedule from 240 farmers. Collected data is analyzed using Garett test and other suitable statistical tools. Multiple responses were considered to ascertain the constraints faced by the rice growers in adoption of recommended technologies of Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU). The constraints faced by the rice growers in adoption of recommended technologies are classified into 5 categories viz., Personnel constraints, Bio physical constraints, Socio-Economic Constraints, Marketing constraints and Organizational constraints. The major constraints perceived by the farmers among different categories were Labour scarcity & high wage rates during peak periods, less mass media exposure, interference of middlemen and Epidemics of pest & diseases. The suggestions given by the farmers were prioritization of agricultural activities in MGNREGA scheme, Conduct of hands on experience training programs on usage of ICT tools and social media for browsing information related to agriculture, Setting up of sufficient number of public purchase points at local level by the government, Conducting sufficient number of practical oriented season long training programs during crop period and Provision of timely updates regarding fluctuations in market prices. A suitable strategy was evolved addressing the various constraints which would be helpful for the policy makers, researchers, extension functionaries to plan and modify the extension programs so as to mitigate these constraints faced by the rice farmers and thereby to augment rice production.