ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN RICE PRODUCTION IN FARMERS' FIELDS AT JANAKPURDHAM SUB-METROPOLITAN OF NEPAL

Abstract

Rice yield has been substantially facing a negative yield slope since times. Higher production of rice can be achieved by promoting the adoption of recommended production practices among rice-growing farmers in Nepal. A study was carried out in the summer (May/June) of 2019 to assess the adoption status of recommended production practices among rice-growing farmers of Janakpurdham-17 & 18 (Only two local bodies of Janakpurdham sub-metropolitan city under thematic working areas of Rice Zone, Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project of Nepal). The results analysis showed that most respondents were male (80%). Many respondents were in the adult age group (44%) followed by senior citizens (34%). Most of them were illiterate (68%), had a medium household size, and had a low level of income. The average landholding size was found to be 0.9546 ha. Many of the respondents were not affiliated with the farmers’ groups and did not receive any sort of training. Most respondents were found to be adopters of recommended rice production practices except for the recommended age of seedlings. The Chi-square test showed that farmer group membership and training had a positive and significant relationship with the adoption of recommended production practices. Also, the income of farmers was positively correlated with the adoption of irrigation sources. Major sources of knowledge about rice cultivation among the respondents were found to be neighbors, relatives, fairs and exhibitions, and non-governmental organizations. Lack of better irrigation facilities, poor seed quality, lack of agriculture loans, and disease, and insect pest problems were the major constraints faced by the farmers in rice cultivation.