Varietal Diversity, Seed Security and Adoption Dynamics of Rice Farmers in Eastern India

Abstract

Rice in Indian state Odisha can contribute more to the agrarian economy if existing low productivity is ameliorated through varietal diversity, improved seed security, and a higher varietal turnover. This exploratory study has found 63% of farmers acquire seeds from farm-managed seed sources. The rice area is dominated by only four mega varieties and a low level of varietal diversity (0.311) was observed. In low land flood-prone areas, such diversity is relatively low (0.25) whereas upland areas have shown higher diversity (0.349). The diversity level increases with the increase in farmers' landholding size. Inter-region variation in varietal diversity is also noticeable indicating gaps in choices and access across regions. Farmers who participated in the varietal demonstration adopted varieties as indicated by increased acreage under those varieties in subsequent years. Farmer to farmer knowledge and seed sharing was found to be strongly present. In respect of varietal traits yield, grain quality, cooking quality, and diseases and pest tolerance are most considered by farmers for variety adoption. Even though seed availability is satisfactory in the state, the seed security dimensions like access, quality, varietal choice, and seed system stability need improvement to better the overall rice seed security at the farm level.