Abstract:
The farmers are convinced by systematic rice intensification (SRI) procedure of rice cultivation as a
proven method of rice cultivation, but they cannot afford to follow all the recommended practices of SRI
due to several constraints faced by them. This paper aims at utilizing the degree of deviations observed in
farmers’ practices from the recommended practices of SRI in estimating the impact of SRI on the yield of
rice using real adoption impact measure (RAI). RAI of SRI on the yield of rice for a particular farmer was
calculated on the basis of his degree of deviations observed between the recommended practices and the
actual practices followed by the farmer. There is a significant positive relationship between the actual
yield and RAI. The expected yield was estimated for a given level of adoption of a farmer using the fitted
regression equation of observed yield on RAI. The insignificant difference between the expected and
observed yield gap for SRI was observed, which establishes that there exist a linear relationship of
adoption of recommended practices with the yield of crop. There is around 20% reduction in yield
compared to the SRI average yield in Odisha (5.5t/ha), due to non-adherence to complete set of
recommended SRI practices. Naturally, a scope to enhance the rice yield by increasing the level of
adoption of the recommended practices of SRI, which is possible through intensive technical support and
timely supply of critical inputs.
