CLIMATE SMART RICE CULTIVATION SYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN KARNATAKA: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
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Date
2022-12-06
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University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Abstract
The present study was undertaken in Mandya district of Karnataka to study the economics of climate smart rice cultivation systems. Farmers growing rice under conventional and climate smart practices such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI), aerobic and Drum Seeded Rice (DSR) system of cultivation were selected for the study. The data was collected from 30 farmers from each system and 80 consumers were selected to assess the trait preferences. The cost of cultivation was lowest in DSR method (Rs. 43,444/ac) and highest in conventional method (Rs. 50,926/ac). The farmers under SRI method obtained higher yield i.e. 33.20 q per acre. Farmers under SRI method were technically efficient and those under aerobic were allocatively efficient. Physical and economic Water Use Efficiency (WUE) was higher in SRI method of cultivation. Partial budgeting of cultivations systems over conventional revealed that, net gain from SRI method was maximum and was Rs. 17,236 per acre. Farmers perceive there are positive and negative externalities from rice cultivation. The negative externalities identified were irrigation subsidy, GHGs and environment damage cost emissions and was quantified at Rs.1,808 per acre which was highest in conventional method. Farmers’ trait preferences for rice, which is an input for breeders was assessed and revealed that, high yield,
resistance to pests and diseases and market oriented aspects were the major traits preferred by farmers. While, consumers preferred size, colour and shape traits for rice consumption. The farmers across different cultivation systems followed only some of the adaptation and mitigation strategies such as applying of potash, agro-forestry, use of organic manure etc. The study emphasizes climate smart practices for rice cultivation such as SRI and aerobic method to reap the benefits of higher yield, efficiency and to reduce the externalities and also suggests adoption of adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable production.