S. (Senthilkumar) Kalimuthu: "Saving water? Analysis of options for rice-based farms in Tamil Nadu, India"

  News
  Newsroom
  Archive
  Calendar
  2012
  2011
  2010
  2009
  2008
  2007
  2006
  2005
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  News
  RSS
  Calendar
  Open days
  Courses
  Congresses and symposia
  PhD-graduations and speeches

5 Sep 2008 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. K. Giller (Plant Production Systems)
Co Promotor: Dr. P.S. Bindraban, Dr. N. de Ridder

 A modified rice cultivation method to increase water productivity in water-intensive rice cultivation was evaluated on-station and on-farm in Tamil Nadu, India. The new method with modifications on planting, irrigation, weeding, and nutrient management gave a 1.5 t ha–1 yield advantage and 41% water saving over conventional methods. The biophysical and socio-economic characteristics, which underlie the functioning of the four rice based farms in the region affect the potential for adoption of the novel cultivation practices. A change in government policies (rules and regulations, pricing, institution building and infrastructure development, as well as training and education to farmers) is needed to enhance adoption. Modifying rice cultivation and water pricing was effective in achieving both the objectives of farmers (i.e. maximizing income) and the society at large (i.e. increasing the use efficiency of water resources). As the policy impacts on farm types differ water quota provision is a plausible option to protect the poor resource endowed farmers, who are likely most affected by the water pricing policies.
Print this activity