Resource Conservation Technologies in Rice-Wheat Production System on Reclaimed Alkali Soils for Livelihood Security of Farmers

The study has analyzed the resource conservation technology in rice-wheat production system on reclaimed alkali soils in Haryana. The study is based on the primary data collected from 140 farmers (35 each practising direct seeded rice, transplanted rice, zero tillage and conventional tillage) in Karnal district of Haryana during the years 2009–10 and 2010–11. The data were analyzed using B-C ratio, percentages and partial budgeting techniques. The results have revealed that resource conserving production methods have potential to increase farm income and save input cost in rice and wheat crops for livelihood security of the farmers operating in the alkali soils. The farmers saved human labour, machine labour and irrigation water in direct seeded rice vis-a-vis transplanted rice. The net returns were higher in direct seeded rice than in transplanted rice method. In the case of wheat, both yield and net returns were significantly higher in the zero tillage. Hence, resource conservation techniques of crop production are the viable alternatives to overcome the problems of rising cost of cultivation, labour and water shortage and also to sustain rice and wheat production which ultimately secures the livelihoods of farmers.