Abstract
In this study, we attempted to assess the awareness and perception of farmers on the environmental degradation due to modern input usage in paddy cultivation in Southern Tamil Nadu. The two-stage random sampling procedure was followed to select the sample farmers and 66 farmers were surveyed in Vadipatti Taluk located on Periyar-Vaigai irrigation system in Tamil Nadu. The paired comparison technique was used to measure the level of awareness on the environmental problems and Tobit regression function was employed to identify the determinants of environmental awareness level. The results of the study revealed that only 23 per cent of the farmers were highly aware about the environmental degradation created by the indiscriminate application of modern inputs. Reduction in soil fertility, population size of soil micro-organism and earth worms were the well-known negative effects in the study region. Experience, education and extension contact were the major factors determining the perception and awareness about environmental degradation.
Highlights
Environment is a matrix of various ecosystems existing in a web of delicate relationship
Since there are a number of farmers with zero environmental awareness index at the limit, Tobit regression analysis was used to estimate the determinants of environmental awareness
Only 23 per cent of the farmers were high aware about the environmental impacts of using modern inputs in paddy production
Summary
Environment is a matrix of various ecosystems existing in a web of delicate relationship. The Spread of such technologies in agricultural sector is popularly known as the Green revolution which includes the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques and using hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides These technologies contribute to the increased agricultural production, and to the different kinds of environmental problems such as non-point source pollution, erosion and soil fertility loss. Judiciously adopted throughout the nation by taking the overall agro-environmental conditions This is because of the low level of awareness amongst the farmers regarding the proper use of such modern techniques and its environmental effects. The study of awareness and attitudes amongst the farmers regarding the environmental problems and harmful effect of some modern techniques may prove as better inputs for sustainable agricultural development planning.
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