Sustainability of Scientific Maize Cultivation Practices in Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices must be ensured to attain the goal of agricultural sustainability. The study was conducted in purposively selected state i.e. Uttar Pradesh. A total sample size of 80 maize farmer respondents and 20 SMS/ Experts were selected by using multi-stage random sampling technique and simple random selection procedure respectively. Data were collected by using personal interview method. The collected data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted with the help of appropriate statistical tools. Among the practices studied in scientific maize cultivation, mean sustainability scores obtained from farmer respondents was highest for irrigation followed by application of FYM, use of HYV and application of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer respectively. The experts perceived significantly higher sustainability in all practices. Estimates indicate that Indian population will require 325 million tons of food grain by 2020 AD. This demands consistent increase in production and productivity of agricultural crops. Maize has immense potential to meet food requirement of human population. It has a great significance as human food, animal feed and diversified uses in a large number of industrial products. Adoption of improved and sustainable maize technologies holds the key to ensure both sustainability and increased maize production. Muthuran (1995) cited 14 major dimensions of sustainable agriculture as identified by M.S. Swaminathan and according to him, sustainable agricultural technology should be technologically appropriate, economically feasible and viable, environmentally sound, stable over the long run, efficient in resource use, locally adaptable, socially acceptable and sustainable, implementable in existing political set-up and bureaucratic structure, culturally desirable, renewable, equitable and productive. There is report of sustainability concerns and emerging problems in Uttar Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, farmers find it difficult to sustain their living standards due to small holding, less infrastructural facility, etc. Maize The queen of cereals†is the third most important food crop in Uttar Pradesh next only to rice and wheat. Kharif maize is an important crop. Concept of cultivating the “rabi maize†was originated in this state and it is grown in a sizeable area. Uttar Pradesh account for 8.33% of the total maize area and 9.65% of total maize production in the country with an average yield of 23.74 q/ha during 2003-04. Sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices in Uttar Pradesh had not been studied, so far. Thus, keeping in view, the importance of scientific maize cultivation practices and decreasing trend of production and productivity, the present study was undertaken, with the specific objectives given as below:

1. to measure and compare the degree of sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices in Uttar Pradesh.

2. To ascertain the perceptual difference, if any, among SMS / experts and farmers regarding various dimensions of sustainability with respect to scientific maize cultivation practices.

Keyword- sustainable maize, cultivation, high yielding. Varieties.