The adoption of improved paddy cultivation practices is central to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of rice based farming systems in Karnataka. However, the rate of adoption is still limited by a number of farm-level and institutional challenges. The present study was undertaken in the year 2024-25 in order to understand the significant constraints encountered by the paddy farmers in practising improved cultivation practices and to record the farmer derived suggestions for strengthening extension services in Northern Karnataka. Using ex-post facto research design, data was collected from 150 paddy growers selected by using multi stage random sampling from Dharwad, Belagavi and Vijayapura districs Garrett’s ranking technique was used to prioritize the constraints and suggestions. The findings showed that lack of location-specific agro-advisory services, high cost of quality inputs, untimely availability of seed, labour scarcity and poor extension outreach were the most serious constraints for limiting the adoption. Farmers emphasized on time supply, of quality input, strengthening of field level extension services, regular training and demonstrations, stable market prices and improved access to institutional credit as the most important measure for improving adoption. The findings highlight the need for an integrated extension approach combining localized advisory services together with institutional coordination, financial facilitation and farmer-centred learning mechanisms. Strengthening village-level extension systems and input delivery networks will be important for accelerating adoption of improved paddy practices and ensuring sustainable intensification of rice production in the region.