Study of Farmers’ Use of Fertilizers and Methods of Application for Rice Cultivation in Central Myanmar

Abstract

Fertilizers play an important role in the maintenance of soil fertility for rice production. The correct application of fertilizers can alleviate declining soil fertility. To improve levels of rice production in central Myanmar, it is essential to assess the current practices used in the application of fertilizers. The aim of this study is to examine farmers’ knowledge and attitudes to the use of fertilizers for rice production and examine the constraints they face. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to interview 164 farmers, randomly selected from three villages in central Myanmar. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Based on the survey results, commonly used fertilizers were urea and compound fertilizers. It was clear that the majority of farmers used amounts below that recommended amount in their application of urea and levels of application of mineral fertilizer varied greatly. About 23% of respondents used cow-dung manure and 12% applied pulses residues as fertilizers for rice cultivation. Although the farmers’ accept that fertilizer application is necessary for better rice growing, the majority of the farmers faced financial difficulties with any increased use of fertilizers. Also, this study shows that the sampled farmers’ limited knowledge on fertilizer use and the lack of access to the information related to fertilizer management, is a constraint preventing appropriate use of available fertilizers. Thus, clear improvements to increase agricultural productivity and soil fertility levels would result from the improved application of organic and inorganic fertilizers.