Suggestions for the Increase use Efficiency of Eco-Friendly Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Paddy Cultivation

A study was conducted during 2004 to know the suggestions offered by the eco-friendly paddy farmers for the increase use efficiency of eco-friendly agricultural practices in paddy in Pudukottai district in Tamilnadu. The results revealed that provision of credit facilities, subsidy for inputs such as seeds, biofertilizers, bio-pesticides, farm implements etc., adequate training programmes and demonstrations, timely and adequate quantity of inputs and regulated market for marketing the eco-friendly produce were the most important suggestions expressed by more than 80 per cent of farmers to follow the eco-friendly agricultural practices. Creation of awareness about bio pesticides and bio control agents through campaigns, radio, television and news paper, formation of eco- clubs were suggested by more than 70 per cent of the farmers. Introduction of more eco-friendly agricultural practices by research system and providing technical guidance and creation of awareness about the input supply offered by the state and central government were suggested by more than 60 per cent of the farmers. So, the policy makers, development workers, researchers and extension officials should involve effectively to sustain agriculture through eco-friendly agricultural practices.