Socio economic analysis of ponnanaiyar sub basin of annavasal block of Pudukkottai district in Tamilnadu by using participatory rural appraisal techniques

Abstract

Participatory rural appraisal is an approach for shared learning between local people and outsiders to enable development practitioners, Government officials, local bodies, local people and researchers to plan together appropriate interventions in all spheres. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted at model village of Eswarankovil and Kattakudi in Annavasal block of Pudukkottai district under World Bank funded project on Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project in Ponnanaiyar sub basin during 2019–20. The project is implemented by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and sub centre of National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. It could be concluded that peasants in agriculture are facing multifaceted problems with no proper solutions. Inspite of their problems farmers are striving hard and smart to overcome the problems in agriculture for their own village. The scientists were advised and motivated to the farmers through appropriate extension methods, Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) practices, and creation of awareness campaign related to agriculture, schemes and programmes and high remunerative income generation activities like, Usage of latest varieties and technologies, Increasing pulses production by adopting System of pulses Intensification, Enrichment of soil fertility through distribution of Green manure seed, supply of vermicom post and biofertilizers. Encouraging farmers to go for seed production in their field itself to get the higher net return, Demonstrations of good agricultural production for important crops like paddy, groundnut, pulses etc., in farmers field, Demo on use of water saving technologies like SRI technique and drip irrigation for the crops like redgram and vegetables to enhance water use efficiency. Model seed village concept and to train the farmers in pulses seed production, Capacity Building-Exposure visit viz. Adoption of Integrated Farming System (IFS), Farmers will be educated on risk aversion through trainings, capacity building programmes, Farmer from these areas have to be visited nearest district to see the improved production technologies adopted in farmers field to create awareness among the farmers etc., also motivate and formulation of the pulse commodity groups, pesticide free vegetables groups and engage them for agri and allied enterprises.