Measuring the Knowledge Level of Farmers Regarding Improved Rice Cultivation Practices and Ranking of Associated Constraints

The Production Oriented Surveys on paddy growing areas were conducted in the three plain districts of Jammu region namely; Jammu, Samba and Kathua during the years 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The information was gathered regarding the knowledge of farmers about improved practices of paddy cultivation, as recommended in package and practices. It is revealed from the study that the Knowledge Index of paddy growers was less than 50%, and majority of the respondents fall under the medium level category in terms of knowledge about improved practices of paddy cultivation. It was also observed that the knowledge of improved practices did not vary much between different districts and statistically were at par with each other. Lack of critical inputs at the right time and insufficient skill in dealing with diseases and pest control were the main constraints in achieving higher productivity. A number of steps are required to be taken to provide opportunities to farmers for adopting improved practices in paddy cultivation, either through the provision of training programmes or by making effective administrative decisions at the right time.