Participatory Varietal and Adoption Appraisal on Summer Vegetables Cultivation among Tribal Farmers of Odisha

A study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Semiliguda in Koraput district of Odisha from 2009–14 to evaluate the performance of improved cowpea and cauliflower varieties Utkal Manik and Sarita on farmers’ field. The average increase in yield under cowpea demonstrations was 31% for variety Utkal Manik over local cultivars. The additional cost of cultivation in off-season cowpea demonstration plots was higher (Average Rs. 2873/ha) in comparison to FP. This in turn gave additional net returns to the tune of Rs. 10, 600-18, 900/ha. Adoption behaviour analysis showed that 40% of the recommended practices like lime application, sowing time, critical irrigation and grading were adopted by the respondents mediocrely; with AQ of 70.0, 71.1, 69.4 and 68.9 respectively. Cauliflower cultivar Sarita recorded increase in yield to the tune of 65 to 70% (2012–14) over local cultivars. Off-season cauliflower cultivation escalated the cost of cultivation by Rs. 3816/ha. Net returns to the tune of Rs. 3, 23, 484/ha were obtained which is 88% higher than the FP. Scientifically recommended practices for off-season cauliflower cultivation showed that sowing time, critical irrigation, boron application and curd packing scored AQ values to the tune of 64.4, 69.4, 57.8 and 63.3, respectively. Form the demonstration trial it can be inferred that extension agency contacts with farmers should be reinforced for higher adoption of improved production technologies and cultivars for off-season summer vegetable cultivation.