Assessment of training needs of rice growers for improved rice cultivation practices in Nagaland

Abstract:

The present study was conducted to assess and prioritize the training needs of the rice growers on improved agricultural techniques in Nagaland and its relationship with districts. The study was conducted with ex-post-facto research design in four districts, Phek, Kohima, Peren and Dimapur. From each district two blocks were chosen, from each block three villages and from each village 12 respondents, making a sample size of 288 respondents. Primary datas were collected through personal interview with the help of a standardized interview schedule including six areas that is, seed-bed preparation, nursery management, soil management, integrated pest management, market access and value addition and harvest and post-harvest management. The training needs were identified and ranked through the use of frequencies, percentages and weighted mean scores. Relationships at the district level were examined with chi-square tests and Monte Carlo simulated p values based on 10,000 replicates and Cramer’s V. Integrated pest control was the most significant area of training with a mean score of 2.45 followed by harvest and post-harvest management (2.39), market access and value addition (2.24), soil management (2.07), seed-bed preparation (1.97) and nursery management (1.95). Districts were strongly related with all six training areas (p<0.001). Soil management was the highest associated at district level (χ^²=110.81; V=0.439) and integrated pest management the lowest but significant correlation (χ^²=31.11; V=0.232). The findings show that there is a need for training in all the areas identified by rice growers, but the level of the requirement differs among districts. The study suggested need based and district specific training programmes to be developed especially on integrated pest management, post-harvest practices and market-oriented competencies to enhance farmers technical abilities, reduce losses and promote adoption of improved rice cultivation practice.