A synergy of participatory design and indigenous knowledge to address rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation challenges of Sadivayal village, Tamil Nadu, India

This research employed a participatory co-design approach to improve sustainable agricultural practices in Sadivayal village, Tamil Nadu. Smallholder tribal farmers faced challenges like pest vulnerability, middlemen influence, and limited awareness of sustainable rice production technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these issues, leading many farmers to lease their land to middlemen who practiced chemically intensive farming. This created confusion, as farmers were uncertain whether to let middlemen continue or switch to chemically intensive farming themselves, abandoning traditional methods. The study involved farmers in defining problems, planning interventions, and conducting treatment demonstrations, integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge. Three treatments including organic, chemically intensive, and integrated farming were tested on four indigenous rice varieties and one commercial variety (CO55). Results showed CO55 was preferred due to its high-yielding capacity (4622 kg ha⁻¹) and drought avoidance due to short duration (121 days), while Karuppu Kavuni was valued for its pest and disease resistance. Seeraga Samba was the least preferred due to high pest susceptibility and poor yield (1828 kg ha-¹). Farmers favored a combination of organic and inorganic practices, and the study has led to the adoption of CO55 (54%), Karuppu Kavuni (24%), and Mappilai Samba (12%) in the 2023 season. The study features the value of participatory approaches in addressing local challenges and promoting sustainable farming practices.