Factors influencing adoption of climate resilient paddy production practices in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The climate resilient practices most preferred and prioritized by rice farmers were direct sown rice, drought tolerant varieties, weather forecast, integrated nutrient management, growing of green manure crops followed by crop diversification, crop insurance, SRI and use of leaf color chart. Market demand (88.3%), assured irrigation (71.7%) land fertility (70%) and finance available (65%) were the major factors governing the decision to grow crops followed by high yielding crops (63%), access to quality seed and fertilizer (60%), adequate rainfall (38%) and on time power supply (40%).The educational level of farmers exhibited significant and positive correlation with practices like System of rice intensification, leaf color chart, crop insurance, weather forecast and drought tolerant varieties. The analysis of farmers’ crop choice and crop diversification decision-making processes are highly essential and aids in the framing of appropriate policies to help small holder farmers.