Participatory research for assessing the suitability of potential innovations: A case study on high-yielding varieties options for rice farmers in north east India

Abstract

This study examines the potential of participatory research to investigate the suitability and performance of high yielding rice varietal technologies with farmers of both hill and valley districts of Manipur based on front line demonstrations (FLDs) conducted from 2005 to 2012. Demonstrations were carried out in all the 9 districts (4 valley and 5 hill) in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras to demonstrate the performance of RC Maniphou 10 on the farmers’ fields. Leimaphou a very popular variety among the farmers was grown as a check variety. The average yield of check variety ranged from 3.3 to 4.8 tonnes/ha, whereas the demonstrated variety RC Maniphou 10 recorded yield ranging from 4.6 to 6.2 tonnes/ha and yield gain over the check variety ranged from 27 to 43% in different districts. It was found that net returns have increased from 34% (in Imphal West) to 69% in Tamenglong- under improved practice (IP) than farmer’s practice (FP). The crop profitability has also increased by 40% in Imphal West and 75% in Tamenglong. The technology gap analysis revealed highest gap in the demonstration yield over potential yield in Senapati and Chandel districts (3.89 tonnes/ha), whereas it was lowest in Thoubal district (2.36 tonnes/ha). High extension gap of 1.52 tonnes/ha was recorded in Churachandpur followed by Tamenglong district. The technology index was minimum in Thoubal (27.7%) as compared to other districts. From this participatory research, farmers were convinced about the performance of RC Maniphou 10 and neighbouring farmers have taken seed which helped in spread of the variety. The variety was found suitable for both valley and hill areas.