Rationality and adoption of indigenous cultivation practices of Finger millet (Eleusinecoracana(L.)Gaertn.) by the tribal farmers of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Finger Millet (Eleusinecoracana(L.)Gaertn.)has been cultivated in India from as far back as 4000 years ago. The tribal people of Kolli hills of Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu, Malayalis, possess rich tradition, heritage and experience in Finger millet cultivation. This paper discusses about the practice wise rationality and adoption of Indigenous Agricultural Practices (ITAPs) on Finger millet cultivation by tribal farmers. About 32 ITAPs on Finger millet were collected from 140 aged farmers from selected seven cluster villages based on the geographic area. After deleting the cluster specific practices, 16 ITAPs were selected for further study. Two closed ended questionnaires were prepared, one for assessing the rationality of crop production aspects (15 ITAPs)and another one on crop protection aspects (1 ITAPs)of Finger milletand were referred to the 50 scientists respectively, by rating them on a four point continuum scale. ITAPs with their rationality scores was undertaken for further analysis to test verify their extent of adoption with 210 tribal farmers. Out of 16 ITAPs in Finger millet, 15 ITAPs were rational and one ITAP was found to be irrational as rated by the scientists. Overall extent of adoption of ITAPs was found to be more than 50 per cent, as they were practiced for quite long time. The rational ITAPs should be blended into the technology package for transfer of technology in other region with same agro eco system, so that the agricultural development will be sustainable.