Sustainable rice production in Wayanad district: a tribal perspective

Abstract

The study on “Sustainable rice production in Wayanad district: A tribal perspective” was conducted during 2018 to 2021 with the objectives to study the perception of tribal farmers on the issues of sustainable rice farming and develop a sustainability index. Besides, study the livelihood status of tribal agricultural labourers based on gender analysis and attitude of tribal and non-tribal rice farmers towards the sustainability of rice farming. Three panchayats of Wayanad district, Thavinjal from Northern high hills (AEU 15), Panamaram from Wayanad central plateau (AEU 20) and Thirunelli from Wayanad eastern plateau (AEU 21) were selected as the locations for the study. Thirty tribal rice farmers and 30 non tribal rice farmers from the identified panchayats were randomly selected in consultation with the Krishi Bhavans concerned, amounting to 180 respondents. For the study on agricultural labourers, 20 male and 20 female tribal labourers each were randomly selected from the three identified panchayats thus amounting to a total of 120 respondents. A focus group comprising 30 members who were the officials and social activists representing the society were selected to identify, analyse and triangulate the social issues of rice farming. To conclude, identification of issues of sustainable rice production, its perception by tribal farmers and development of a sustainability index were relevant and important in the present socio-economic milieu of Wayanad district. Sustainability index for tribal rice farmers can be used as an effective tool to assess their social, economical and environmental sustainability and to formulate strategies for strengthening their overall sustainability at the community level. An attitude scale was developed for the study which provided insights into the attitude of tribal and non-tribal farmers towards the sustainability of rice farming by developing an attitude scale. Study on gender analysis of livelihood status among tribal agricultural labourers could bring out the real issues faced by women agricultural labourers who were forced to make decisions and borrow money due to lack of involvement of their male counterparts in family affairs.