A multi-dimensional study on finger millet crop scenario in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Ragi is a staple millet crop due to its suitability for marginal soils and low input requirements. The study used simple random sampling with 150 farmers from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Ten farmers were selected from each of the 15 identified villages. The study observed significant changes in agricultural area: Srikakulam experienced an 87.8% increase, Vizianagaram witnessed a 69.49% decrease, and Visakhapatnam had a 1.26% increase. In terms of production, Srikakulam showed a remarkable increase of 126.14%, while Vizianagaram had a decrease of 65.49%. Visakhapatnam experienced a minor decrease of 1.84% in production. Productivity varied, with Srikakulam demonstrating a 20.33% increase, Vizianagaram experiencing a decrease of 13.51%, and Visakhapatnam showing no change. The varietal spread of the Vizianagaram finger millet variety was distributed as follows: 40% in Andhra Pradesh, 38% in West Bengal, and 25.33% in Telangana. Among the finger millet varieties, Sri Chaitanya was observed in 20.8% of the area, Bharathi in 7.5%, and Champavathi in 6%. Adoption rates of improved ragi varieties were as follows: Vegavathi (33.34%), Bharathi (32.67%), Sri Chaitanya (23.34%), and Indrâvati (10%). Sowing methods varied, with 34.67% of farmers using direct sowing, 18% opting for transplantation, and only 8% applying seed treatment. The preferred sowing seasons were Kharif (50%), summer (35.34%) and Rabi (14.67%). Regarding nursery transplantation, 61.34% of farmers transplanted at 21 days for short-duration varieties. Fertilizer management practices showed that 48.67% of farmers used 4 tonnes of FYM, while 24.67% applied the recommended NPK dose. Inter-cropping patterns included Ragi+ Redgram (54%) and Ragi+ Bhendi (30%). Pest management strategies revealed that 70.67% of farmers used tricyclozole through foliar application for blast management, 56% used pseudomonas foliar application and 54% employed tricyclozole seed treatment. Shoot borer management was practiced by 58.67%, and sucking pest management by 49.34% of ragi farmers. The primary constraints identified were poor economic conditions (85%), low remunerative prices for millets (80%), high fertilizer costs (75%), and unfertile soils (74%). These findings provide insights into the agricultural practices, outcomes, and challenges faced in different districts or regions.