Introduction and adoption of improved dryland practices for growing pearl millet in Arid Zone of Rajasthan

Abstract

The paper presents constraints in the adoption of improved dryland practices of pearl millet and suggests wages to overcome these constraints. The data were collected from 180 dry land farmers from six villages in the arid zone of Rajasthan during 2009-2010.The farmers were not aware of plant geometry, method of making compost, vermi-compost and control measures of disease, and insects of pearl millet. Hence there was no adoption of these practices. An all out effort should be made to make the farmers knowledgeable about improved dryland practices which is a precondition for the adoption of improved dryland technology. The respondents who did not adopt improved seed of pearl millet reported low rainfall, less fodder production, high cost of seed and less tasty grain as main causes for not adopting the improved seed of pearl millet. Hence research institutes should develop improved seeds that should give grain and fodder in low rainfall season and taste equally good to the local variety. The high cost of improved seed of pearl millet can be reduced if the farmers grow improved seed at their fields. The farmers should be educated by extension workers about method of growing improved seed.