Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

In terms of climate, Sonitpur falls within the subtropical region and experiences a monsoon-type climate. The district boasts a significant cultivable area spanning 111,949 hectares, with rice being the primary crop, constituting approximately 48.54 percent of the total cropped area. The cultivation of summer paddy, winter paddy, and autumn paddy covers 22,500 hectares, 124,523 hectares, and 12,488 hectares, respectively, with corresponding productivities of 5062 kg/ha, 3048 kg/ha, and 2793 kg/ha. To address the concerns of farmers regarding production costs and climate vulnerability, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonitpur introduced the direct seeding of rice cultivation in select pockets of the district. By employing the stress-tolerant rice variety Ranjit-Sub1 through wet direct seeding, the district witnessed improved remuneration compared to conventional rice cultivation. Economic analysis revealed higher net returns (X and Y) for wet direct seeded rice (WDSR) in both 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, in contrast to the farmer's practice. Additionally, the B: C ratio was also favorable for wet direct seeded rice (WDSR). This climate-resilient technology proved highly promising for small and marginal farmers in the region, significantly impacting their agricultural practices.