NR 06 03 03 Hossain Atibudhi m00363
NR 06 03 03 Hossain Atibudhi m00363
NR 06 03 03 Hossain Atibudhi m00363
3 (December 2023)
ISSN: 2581-6853 | CODEN: GJNRA9 | Published by The Grassroots Institute
Website: https://grassrootsjournals.org/gjnr | Main Indexing: Web of Science
Introduction
In the present era of climate change, the issue of food security has emerged as a
paramount concern for governments, organizations, and individuals alike. With a
global population projected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, ensuring a stable and
adequate food supply has become critical (Kumar et al., 2022). Rice stands as a
critical cornerstone in the pursuit of food security due to its unparalleled significance
as a staple crop for billions of people worldwide. Rice, often referred to as the "staple
of staples", plays a central role in the diets of a significant portion of the global
population, particularly in Asia and Africa (Dar et al., 2017). In India, rice occupies a
position of paramount importance, where it transcends its role as a staple food to
become an intrinsic part of the nation's agricultural, cultural, and nutritional fabric.
Rice in India is cultivated within diverse cropping systems that harness the nation's
rich agro-climatic variations. The predominant cropping systems involving the rice-
wheat rotation in the Indo-Gangetic Plains to the rice-pulses sequence enrich soil and
diets (Bhatt et al., 2021). The diversification emerges through systems like rice-
oilseed, rice-sugarcane, and rice-horticulture, which bolster yields and rural
economies. These systems underscore India's agricultural resilience and adaptability,
addressing food security and sustainability in the face of changing climate and
consumption patterns (Upadhaya et al., 2022).
Eastern Indian states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand are
significant contributors to India's overall rice production. In these states, the practice
of rotating rice with other crops stands as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural
strategies. This region's agricultural landscape is enriched by the harmonious
alternation of rice cultivation with diverse crops such as pulses, maize, oilseeds, and
vegetables (Alam et al., 2021). This rotational approach not only optimizes land
utilization but also rejuvenates soil fertility, curbs pest/ disease pressures, and
enhances overall farm productivity. The rotation of rice with pulses, for instance,
exploits nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil for subsequent rice crops while providing
protein-rich pulses for diets (Chamkhi et al., 2022). Similarly, the rice-maize rotation
diversifies cereal production, contributing to the food security (Upadhaya et al., 2022).
This dynamic interplay between crops attests to the ingenuity in ensuring a resilient
and resource-efficient agricultural system, embodying the essence of sustainable and
diversified farming.
Nevertheless, most of the existing crop rotations of rice in Eastern India suffer from
some drawbacks, primarily due to monoculture practices, e.g., low varietal options of
fitting duration, poor knowledge about varieties and seeds, and limited crop diversity.
Continuous cultivation of rice and related crops depletes soil nutrients, leading to
degradation and reduced fertility (John and Babu, 2021). This, coupled with the
absence of diverse crops, exacerbates pests and disease pressures, necessitating higher
pesticide use. The lack of rotation with nutrient-fixing crops disrupts the soil's nutrient
balance, hindering optimal plant growth (Selim, 2020). Additionally, the reliance on a
single crop undermines biodiversity, threatens farmers' income stability, and leaves
the agricultural ecosystem less resilient to climate change impacts (Gomiero, 2016).
The pressing need is to transition the more diversified and intensified cropping
systems to ensure long-term agricultural viability and overall agricultural
sustainability. By implementing innovative rotations, farmers can bolster their income
streams, foster biodiversity, and create a more adaptable and robust agricultural
system, capable of meeting future challenges, and ensuring sustainable food
production for oncoming generations (Dar et al., 2021).
Among the various crop rotation systems, the integration of rice (Oryza sativa) and
green gram (Arachis hypogaea) has garnered substantial attention due to its
synergistic benefits and potential to address multiple agricultural challenges (He et al.,
2021). The current cropping pattern is mostly rice-rice. The experiment introduced a
new crop — green gram. In this context, an evaluative experiment was conducted in
the Eastern Indian state of Odisha to understand the efficiency and profitability of
promoting a rice - green gram - rice cropping system. The combination of these two
staple crops offers a unique opportunity to optimize soil nutrient dynamics,
pest/disease management, water use efficiency, and economic viability (Dhanda et al.,
2022). Besides, the benefits of introducing the short-duration stress-tolerant rice
varieties (STRV) in the cropping system were also investigated. The yields obtained
from the newly introduced rice - green gram - rice system were studied in comparison
to the existing cropping systems. The impacts of the new cropping system in terms of
yields and income for farmers were also duly appraised. Embracing the new types of
cropping systems holds the promise of revitalizing the agricultural landscape,
promoting ecological balance, and securing a prosperous and sustainable future for
both farmers and the region as a whole (Bhatt et al., 2021).
female farmers were randomly selected, and the benefits of cultivating short-duration
STRV were discussed. The immediate outcomes of this initiative were measured
through the following three positive changes.
1. Adoption of short-duration rice varieties and a second crop (green gram)
2. Economic benefits of the crop intensification
3. Crop diversification
Comprehensive data was collected to evaluate various aspects of the pre- and post-
intervention cropping system. The farmers were interviewed after the harvesting of
summer rice in 2021. The farmers were asked about the STRV (Binadhan 11) being
cultivated during wet season of 2020. Besides, the information regarding the date of
sowing, date of harvesting, the yield obtained, produce sold, produce kept for home
consumption, the price fetched for the sold produce, cost of production, and labour
involved for the cultivation of second/boro crop (green gram) during 2021-22 was also
obtained. Similarly, the farmers were asked about the second/boro crop they cultivated
during the last year (2020-21). The comparison was made for the date of sowing, the
yield obtained, the cost of production, income generated.
The comparison of two seasons for two different cropping patterns is indicative of the
program's impact. The comparison included varieties grown, date of sowing, date of
harvesting, the yield obtained, produce sold, produce stocked for selling, and the price
fetched for selling the produce. The farmers also responded that the fitment of the new
cropping system was better and economically viable than the existing ones. The
information related to sharing of knowledge regarding the new cropping system
amongst the other farmers has also been evaluated. The respondents also expressed
their views about the short-duration STRV has the potential to change the cropping
systems of the region. Moreover, information on whether the farmers have saved the
seeds of new STRVs from wet 2020 for sowing in the next wet season was also
obtained. Besides, the intention of the farmers to cultivate the STRV in subsequent
seasons also recorded.
Odisha is home to several traditional rice varieties. These varieties are known for their
special characteristics and are grown by farmers despite the availability and promotion
The predominant rice variety before the intervention was Swarna (MTU 7029). This is
a long-duration (140 days) genotype, generally sown in the second fortnight of July
and harvested towards the end of November. Since the maturity of this variety takes a
longer period, farmers are not left with any feasible options to grow a second crop
(non-paddy) of a fitting duration. However, the introduction of Binadhan 11 (a shorter
duration, high-yielding variety) received legitimate varietal substitution. Binadhan 11
is also a stress-tolerant variety (STRV) variety. It possesses sub-1 gene that makes it
tolerate submergence upto 14 days. Thus, this variety brings in benefits in the areas
recurrently impacted by floods. The experimental location has a considerable area,
suffering the setback of flash floods during monsoon months periodically, especially
in low-lying areas adjacent to the water stream. Binadhan 11 matures in 120 days,
while Swarna the dominant variety in the region takes 140 days to become harvest-
ready (Figure 2). The advantage of the 20-day early maturity with Binadhan 11 is a
substantial factor for taking a second crop. However, this trait will be visible to the
growers only when the field is inundated caused by flood or submergence. Before the
intervention, farmers in the area did not know this variety. Within a year, 81% of
farmers who received the seeds (in mini kit) adopted the variety the following year,
indicating a high acceptance and adoption of this variety. Yield-wise, this new variety
(Binadhan 11) proved to be superior as it offered 0.3 tons/ha more yield compared to
the popular variety Swarna. The yield gain of the new variety (Binadhan 11) is
graphed below.
5
Avg yield (t/ha)
0
Binadhan 11 Swarna
Figure 1: Average yield of new and predominant varieties
Swarna 140
Binadhan 11 120
Adoption Drivers
It has been observed that, in the 2021 wet season, 81% of participating farmers who
used to grow Swarna have adopted the Binadhan 11. The major variety-substitution
drivers as found from the study were: 1. Yield gain, 2. Shorter duration, and 3. Special
trait of submergence tolerance of Binadhan 11.
Unlike Swarna, the new variety (Binadhan 11), because of its shorter duration, enables
farmers to harvest the crop at least 20 days earlier. This early maturity leaves the soils
with considerable residual moisture for a second crop like green gram. This benefit is
more pronounced as the study area does not have an assured irrigation source in the dry
season. The additional but critical trait present in Binadhan 11 is the flood-tolerance
ability without any yield penalty. It can sustain the water submergence for up to 14 days
— a huge benefit for farmers in flood-prone areas. Out of 120 farmers who evaluated
the variety in their field, 97 of them have grown it in the next crop years (2021-22),
translating to an impressive adoption rate of 81%. Among those who have adopted
Binadhan 11 cited advantages of the variety. Whereas 84% of farmers believed that
yield gain was the first reason that influenced them to adopt, 72% also think the shorter
duration of the variety acted as the second most important (Figure 3). Submergence
tolerance trait has been rated as the third most important character of the variety for
adoption..
Of those, who had cultivated Binadhan 11, got a time window towards the end of
October to grow a second suitable crop — green gram. It has been observed that 64%
of the Binadhan 11 adopters (62) have taken the green gram. While growing the
Swarna rice variety, none of these farmers had the time opportunity for taking this
second crop. Thus, it is a significant way forward to promote such shorter-duration
varieties for crop diversification which is high on the agriculture agenda of state
governments in India.
The results of the study unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of the new
cropping system over the existing system in terms of crop yield and profitability (Table
2). The economic gains resulting from the introduction of the new cropping system are
meaningful. The increased productivity drives higher yields and subsequently larger
harvests. Farmers, on average earned INR 46742 (USD 572) from one ha of land with
the conventional cropping pattern (Rice-Rice). However, the adoption of the
demonstrated new cropping pattern (Rice-Green Gram-Rice) enabled farmers to receive
per hectare net earnings of INR 64511 (USD 777) (Figure 4). This extra income is
earned from higher rice yield and the new crop (green gram). Per hectare monetary gain
of INR 17,769 (equivalent to USD 213) from the demonstrated new cropping pattern
can help farmers maximize their profits. This encourages long-term investment and
planning, further enhancing economic resilience. The growth of agribusinesses and
ancillary industries, driven by the increased demand for processing, packaging, and
distribution, generates additional employment and entrepreneurial avenues, magnifying
the economic impact. Therefore, the introduction of the new cropping system (rice-
pulse) not only enhances agricultural productivity but also stimulates economic growth,
fosters rural development, and contributes to a more robust and sustainable economy. In
this context, embracing new cropping systems is not merely a choice, but an imperative.
It is a conscientious investment in the well-being of present and future generations, a
commitment to nourishing the planet while safeguarding its ecosystems (Meng et al.,
2017). The importance of this transition cannot be overstated — it is a transformative
journey that aligns agriculture with the imperatives of sustainability, resilience, and
prosperity.
Increase in net earnings with new cropping pattern (INR per ha)
Figure 4: Increase in net earnings with new cropping pattern (per ha)
The experimented and adopted cropping pattern is rice - green gram - rice. The
additional crop included in the pattern is green gram. This was possible majorly due to
the shorter maturity rice crop in the wet season as it creates a reasonable time window
for green gram. The measurable benefits are earnings from one additional crop and
yield advantages from new variety (Binadhan 11).
Crop Diversification
The experiment has also produced a desired effect on crop diversification. The
incorporation of short-duration stress-tolerant rice varieties into crop rotation offers a
range of benefits, including enhanced land utilization efficiency, reduced vulnerability
to adverse climatic conditions, improved soil health through diversified root
structures, optimized nutrient and water use efficiency, and economic diversification.
The cropping intensification as measured by cropping intensity [(Gross Cropped
Area/Net Cropped Area)*100] showed a significant improvement. The total net
cropped area of the sampled farmers was 105.8 acres and the gross cropped area as
estimated in 2021-22 is 174.57 acres. It explains that 68.77 acres which were
otherwise to be fallow is being used for green gram cultivation. The cropping
intensity, because of this experiment, has gone up from merely 100 to 165. This is the
direct contribution of the experiment that introduced the short-duration rice variety
followed by a fitting crop like green gram. The cultivation of green gram will also act
as an atmospheric nitrogen fixer for subsequent crops, thus, environmentally it is good
to increase crop diversification through pulse crops. Thus, the overall system
productivity is supposed to rise with the continuation of this cropping pattern. It
should also be noted that, because of a diversified cropping system with the
introduction of green gram, farm production is relatively more stabilized. The positive
impact on dietary patterns is also a significant impact as 47% of farmers have
explicitly said that the daily intake of protein-based pulse (green gram) is enhanced by
25% because of increased availability.
This study also attempted to identify the major factors that enabled farmers to adopt
the diversified and intensified cropping pattern. As found, farmers are often
challenged by knowledge gaps, poor irrigation facilities, and crop seeds to diversify
the cropping pattern. Notably, 78% of farmers thought the shorter duration of
Binadhan 11 was critical to plan and grow a second crop — green gram. Among those
who adopted this diversified cropping pattern, 81% were of the view that the duration
of green gram (65 days) also played a significant role in designing the rice-green
gram-rice cropping pattern. The second crop duration of more than 70 days would not
fit into the system, as the irrigation facilities are limited. The shorter duration green
gram could be grown with residual moisture left in the preceding rice crop. When it
comes to seeds, 88% of farmers believe the timely availability of seeds was crucial for
adopting this cropping pattern. The lack of access to seeds on time deters farmers from
fully utilizing this residual moisture and in the absence of secured irrigation, farmers
do not take up the second crop after rice harvest in the wet season.
One of the other challenges, for crop diversification with the promotion of green gram is
market constraints. The study revealed that 84% of farmers who adopted green gram
between two rice crops have a marketable surplus. However, 94% of those farmers
believe the marketing scope is limited and they received lesser than expected prices.
Conclusions
The present study underscores the significant potential and multifaceted advantages of
adjustment in the cropping pattern through the introduction of shorter-duration rice
varieties and succeeding green gram cultivation. The findings presented the possibility
of boosting agricultural productivity through crop diversification leading to resource
efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. The adoption and practice of multi-cropping
by exploiting available resources is a significant step towards intercropping capitalizes
on the complementary traits of each crop, optimizing land utilization throughout the
cropping season, mitigating the risks associated with climatic uncertainties, and
promoting soil health through diversified root structures and nutrient utilization
patterns. Furthermore, the economic diversification facilitated by this approach offers
farmers increased income streams and a more stable livelihood. By advocating for the
integration of short-duration stress-tolerant rice varieties into green gram-based
cropping systems, this study advocates for a transformative shift towards agricultural
practices that address food security, resource scarcity, and climate adaptation. As we
navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, embracing such innovative
intercropping strategies emerges as a sustainable pathway toward a more resilient and
prosperous future for farmers and ecosystems alike.
There exists an opportunity to improve the productivity of the cropping pattern with
the adoption of suitable traditional varieties/landraces. However, key determinants
here are seed availability, productivity, and seed access by the farmers. The district
and block-level agriculture officials believe that market development of these
traditional is vital to promote the varieties for the economic benefit of the farmers.
Furthermore, most of these landraces are of longer duration (>130 days), therefore the
careful selection of the landraces is important if a new crop needs to be introduced
between two seasons of rice. A high-yielding, shorter duration (within 120 days) and
market-preferred grain-type rice variety (or landrace) will be a fitting option in such
cases where the rice system productivity improvement is the major goal.
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