Changes in Rice Production Technology in Jorhat District of Assam

The study has examined the changes in rice production technology over time and the impact of improved rice production technology on income of farmers over time. The cost and return analysis indicated that there was an increase in cost of rice production in 2015 over 1981. This increase was attributed to the higher use of HYV seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection measures. There was an increase of 79.33 per cent, 51.63 per cent and 27.29 per cent in gross income, farm business income and family labour in 2015 over 1981. The study has found that with time, the nature of agricultural technology has changed from traditional to modern and the package of inputs used in agricultural operations has also changed. In this package of inputs, human and bullock labour are increasingly being replaced by machine labour, manures are being substituted by chemical fertilizers, and traditional seeds are being replaced by high-yielding varieties. Increasing the yield of rice as a result of rapid adoption of high-yielding varieties of seeds and increased use of fertilizers, and pesticides have led to a fast increase in the area under HYV Sali. The analysis has indicated that there have been significant changes in cost items as well as in gross returns of improved rice production technology which have considerable effects on farmers’ profitability and consequently on nutritional security of households.