ADOPTION OF IMPROVED FARM PRACTICES IN MAIZE BY THE FARMERS OF NUAPADA DISTRICT OF ODISHA

Abstract

Maize (Zea Mays L.) is considered as a unique cereal crop for its diversified use and suitability under 
various cropping systems. In India it is the third largest cereal crop in terms of acreage. The present 
study was conducted in Khariar block of Nuapada district of Odisha.  Descriptive research design 
was followed, since the present study is fact-finding and present description of the respondents as well 
as the area. There are 117 villages in the selected block out of that 12 villages were selected through 
Random sampling based on existence of Maize cultivation. From the above analysis, it was concluded 
that majority (85.00%) of respondents were male. Majority (45.00%) of the respondents belonged to 
both the age group of (20-35) years and (36-55) years. Majority (80.00%) of respondents were 
married. Majority (70.00%) of respondents were having annual income more than 51,000. Majority 
(35.00%) of respondents were having education qualification up to High School. Majority (60.00%) 
of respondents were having land holding of 1-2 hectare. Majority (75.00%) of respondents were 
occupation Maize Farming and other crops farming collectively. Majority (80.00%) of respondents 
were having joint family. Majority (65.00%) of respondents were having family size of more than 5 
members. Majority (45.00%) of respondents were having semi-cemented house. Majority (40.00%) of 
respondents were having social participation in Farmers Society. Majority (65.00%) of respondents 
daily used mobile. Majority (70.00%) of respondents were having maize farming experience up to 1
20 years. Majority (45.00%) of respondents were having medium level knowledge regarding Maize 
Cultivation Practices. Majority the adoption of Improved Production Technology of Maize was found 
to be high that is 75.00 percent. According to the response from the respondents, non-performance of 
visit by agricultural personnel time to time ranked I for constraints faced by the respondents, Lack of 
hybrid seed ranked II, Lack of credit facility at time ranked III, Lack of proper resources and capital 
ranked IV and so on. According to the suggestions received from the respondents, Hybrid seed should 
be available in time, Credit should be available earlier and timely, Availability of fertilizers and other 
inputs should be in time, Technical advice and training should be given at right time and so on.