Farmers’ Trait Preferences for Varietal Replacement: A study to boost rice productivity in Odisha, India

The average age of the popular rice varieties being grown in the state of Odisha is higher than the stipulated 10-year timeframe. This is an obstacle to productivity enhancement through varietal replacement. Farmers in Odisha growing these varieties have expressed their desired traits for replacement of these long-grown varieties. The desired characters of an ideal variety have been mapped for major older varieties. Since varietal fitment and farmer’s choice vary widely between rice eco logies, the research outcomes were compartmentalized between medium and lowland. Thus, these research outcomes will be crucially helpful for breeding program to develop varieties that match evinced expectation of the farmers. The ranking of trait preferences will also augment the varietal research program to the exact needs of the rice growers in the state. Rice productivity in Odisha is one of the least in the country. Replacement of existing older varieties with a high yielder as per farmers’ choice is a strategic way to boost the productivity. The findings with regard to current varietal landscape, farmers’ trait preferences are crucially important for augmenting rice productivity and strengthening food security in the state.

Effect of Urea-molasses Multinutrient Block Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Rural Buffalo Farms

Background: Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) have an immense importance in rural economy by virtue of their high production potential as triple purpose animal. Application of scientific technologies can further lead to significant productivity enhancement in buffaloes. Hence, the study was aimed to investigate adoption and effect of urea-molasses multinutrient block (UMMB) supplementation on buffalo productivity in rural areas of Punjab, India. Methods: An expost-facto research design was employed to collect data from selected buffalo farmers (N-501) through personal interview by using pretested research instrument. Based on the response, the buffalo farms were categorized as technology adopter farms (TAF) and non-adopter farms (TNAF). The effect of UMMB supplementation on productivity was evaluated by considering various productive and reproductive parameters of buffaloes. Both parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were employed to analyse the data by using SPSS software. Result: The results indicated that the buffalo farms (36.93%; 185/501) following an additional supplementation with UMMB had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher average daily milk yield per animal and lowered values of all reproductive parameters. This has proved the viability of UMMB technology at buffalo farms in study area. The study revealed that the technology plays valuable role in buffalo productivity enhancement, hence should be recommended to the government and propagated through vigorous activities at grass-root level to improve adoption.