Study of Awareness of Paddy Crop Diseases among Stakeholders

Abstract

Paddy, or rice, is a staple food crop in many countries, particularly in Asia. Ensuring its healthy yield is critical for food security. This study investigates the awareness of paddy crop diseases among stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural extension officers, input suppliers, and policymakers. Through surveys and interviews, the research assesses stakeholders' knowledge levels, identifies gaps, and recommends interventions to improve awareness and management practices. The study emphasizes the importance of education, timely dissemination of information, and collaboration for effective disease management.

Paddy, or rice, is a critical food crop in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia, where it sustains millions of rural households and ensures national food security. However, paddy cultivation is highly susceptible to various diseases such as rice blast, bacterial leaf blight, sheath blight, and tungro virus, which significantly reduce yield and income. The effective management of these diseases depends largely on the level of awareness among stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural extension officers, input suppliers, and policymakers.

This study aims to assess the awareness levels of stakeholders regarding paddy crop diseases and to identify the sources of information and existing gaps in knowledge dissemination. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions across three major rice-growing districts. The findings reveal that while extension officers and input suppliers possess moderate to high levels of awareness, a significant portion of farmers have limited knowledge and rely heavily on informal sources such as fellow farmers. The study also highlights the underutilization of agricultural extension services and digital information platforms.

The research underscores the need for improved stakeholder training, stronger extension outreach, and the integration of digital tools in disease awareness programs. Enhancing stakeholder awareness can lead to better disease management practices, higher yields, and more sustainable paddy cultivation systems.