Abstract

                                The study was conducted in all the twelve coastal districts of Tamil Nadu with 240 farmers as respondents. The selection of farm respondents was on the basis of their awareness and adoption of indigenous technologies in agriculture, based on personal interview method. The association of farmers with the development agencies working in the study area was also considered as a criterion for the selection. Twenty farmers representing each block of twelve districts in Tamil Nadu with a total of 240 respondents have been identified and assisted in the collection of information on indigenous agricultural practices. On consultation with an expert committee of extension scientists, the identified items were sent to 60 scientist of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for testing the rationality. The findings of this study revealed that out of 14 indigenous technologies on coconut cultivation, one was found to be irrational. The rational items had higher awareness and adoption. The identified practices being rooted in the rural culture of Tamil Nadu could be easily disseminated through extension system, which may assist in developing eco-friendly agricultural practices and creation of new farming systems for the benefit of resource poor farmers in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.

Key words : Rationality, Awareness, Adaption, Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK)