The study has examined the impact of government interventions on rice farming in Thrissur district of Kerala. Ninety respondents from three panchayats of Thrissur district were selected by multi-stage random sampling method and data were collected through pre-tested structured interview schedule. The major statistical tools used for the study were Chi-square test, paired t-test, and Cobb-Douglas production function. The study has found that all the respondents availed assistance under RKVY and SDR schemes for seeds, fertilizer, training and information. It is found that seed component of SDR and RKVY made a positive shift across rice farmers in cultivation of high-yielding varieties and it has a significant impact on rice farmers. Still there are problems regarding lack of timely availability of assistance and lag in payment of subsidies. Hence, following the recommendations of Draft Agricultural Development Policy, 2013, it is suggested that all subsidies given by the governmental agencies for rice cultivation may be converged and subsidy amount may be enhanced to a minimum of 50 per cent of cost of cultivation. This will encourage the farmers to remain in rice farming.
Government intervention, seed subsidy, SDR, RKVY, rice farming, Kerala
