SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF RICE VARIETY TECHNOLOGY ON PADDY FARMER’S LIVELIHOOD

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the new rice variety technology known as 'PadiU-Putra' on socio-economic variables such as production, cost of production and farmer’s income and livelihood. Primary data were obtained through a survey with 192 recipients of the PadiU-Putra rice variety in IADA KETARA, Terengganu, using a structured questionnaire. Cost and return analysis were used to analyse the impact of the PadiU-Putra rice variety, objectively. While the socio-economic impact index was calculated to analyse the subjective socio-economic impacts perceived by farmers. There were 26 indicators dedicated to four dimensions of socio-economic aspects, such as production, income, livelihood assets and confidence in technology introduced. The findings of this study show that the introduction of PadiU-Putra rice variety in IADA KETARA has successfully increased the production and reduced the cost of rice production in the region. While in terms of farmer’s livelihood result showed that majority of farmers perceived that this technology had a moderate impact on their socio-economic variables, paddy production and farmers income. Based on the results, the study recommended that research towards quality seed production should be intensified, training on the use of technology for extension staff in relevant agencies needs to be executed and regular visits by extension staff and training for farmers are important to promote the use of technology in accordance with the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).