Extent of adoption of recommended cultivation practices of rice (Oryza sativa) in the state of Nagaland

Abstract

Nagaland is a small state in the north-eastern part of India where majority of the population depends on agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy. Cereals occupies more than two-third of the total cultivable area in the state where rice, maize and millet being the major variants cultivated. Two methods of cultivation are mainly practiced in the state namely, jhum (shifting cultivation) and terrace cultivation, which jointly makes about 86 percent of the total cultivable area. In the recent years, a high surge in population coupled with high demand of food grains is seen which is of great concern for global food security. Therefore, there ascends a need for sustainable agricultural growth for achieving global food security which can only be unraveled by putting into practice modern and innovative agricultural practices which are sustainable in the long run. A study was carried out in six selected districts of Nagaland with a sample size of 300 respondents to find out the extent of adoption of recommended cultivation practices of rice. Data was collected through personal interview method by administering a structured schedule. Findings revealed that majority (60.67%) of the farmers had moderate level of adoption for recommended cultivation practices of irrigated rice and majority (60.00%) of the respondents had moderate level of adoption for recommended cultivation practices of upland rice.