EXTENT OF AGROCHEMICAL USE IN RICE CULTIVATION: A STUDY IN BARGARH DISTRICT OF ODISHA
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Date
2023
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RPCAU, Pusa
Abstract
Agriculture is a vital source of livelihood for the majority of the Indian population, but its intensification has adversely affected the economic capacity and sustainability of small farming systems. This intensification has led to a significant increase in the use of production inputs such as modified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, resulting in bumper crop yields. However, the so-called "green revolution" has also brought about unforeseen consequences in the form of chemical pollution. The rampant use of pesticides, particularly in crops like cotton, rice, and vegetables, has led to altered pest scenarios, outbreaks of deadly diseases, environmental degradation, and increased input costs, driving many farmers into debt. To address this issue, a study entitled "Extent of agrochemical use in rice cultivation: A study in Bargarh district of Odisha" was conducted to achieve the following objectives: Assess the socio-economic and personal characteristics of selected rice growers, Ascertain the knowledge level of selected rice growers regarding agrochemical use, Study the extent of agrochemical use across different rice varieties and farmers' varietal preferences, and Document best practices in agrochemical use and propose corrective measures for safe usage. The study was conducted in Bargarh district of Odisha, where 120 rice growers were randomly selected from six villages. The findings revealed that the majority of rice growers belonged to the middle-age category and had primary school-level education. More than half of the respondents lived in joint families with small family sizes. Approximately 65 percent of the farmers had a medium level of experience in agrochemical use in rice cultivation. Interestingly, 94.16 percent of the farmers practiced diversity by cultivating more than one rice variety, and 40 percent of the respondents owned medium-sized land holdings ranging from 5.01 to 10 acres. Moreover, 70.83 percent of rice growers had a medium level of exposure to mass media. The study highlighted a concerning knowledge gap, with 68.33 percent of the farmers having received no training related to agrochemical use. However, it was encouraging to find that 44.16 percent of the surveyed farmers possessed a high level of knowledge in this area. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between various factors, such as age, education, experience in agrochemical use, annual income, social participation, mass media exposure, and training, with the knowledge level of rice growers. The study also revealed that the majority of farmers were using fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides at high rates. Among the preferred rice varieties, Akash Ganga stood out as the highest consumer of agrochemicals, indicating its substantial input requirements for optimal growth and protection. While many farmers adopted good practices such as using neem-coated urea, recommended nozzles, and protective gear but only a small portion of farmers are disposing the containers in proper method. In conclusion, the study sheds light on the significant use of agrochemicals in rice cultivation in Bargarh district, Odisha, and highlights the need for improved knowledge dissemination and best practices adoption to ensure safe and sustainable agrochemical use.