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IMPACT OF TRAININGS CONDUCTED ON VERMICOMPOST BY KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA
BIJAPUR
Thesis submitted to University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE)
In
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION
By
SUNIL N. KHARATMOL
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD
JULY, 2006
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DHARWAD (MANJULA N.) JULY, 2006 MAJOR ADVISOR
Approved by : Chairman : ________________________
(MANJULA N.)
Members : _________________________
1. ( L.V. HIREVENKANAGOUDAR)
__________________________ 2. (S.N. HANCHINAL)
__________________________
3. (H.B. PATIL) __________________________ 4. (Y.N. HAVALDAR)
CONTENTS
Chapters Title
I. Introduction
II. Review of Literature
III. Methodology
IV. Experimental Results
V. Discussion
VI. Summary
VII. References
VIII. Appendices
IX. Abstracts
List of Tables
Table No. Title
1. Personal and socio economic characteristics of the respondents
2. Extension characteristics of the respondents
3. Psychological characteristics of the respondents
4. Overall knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
5. Knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
6. Correlation between independent variables and knowledge level of the respondents
7. Overall adoption of the trained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
8. Adoption of recommended practices of vermicompost practices
9. Correlation between independent variables and Adoption level of trained respondents
10. Correlation between knowledge and Adoption
11. Constraints in adoption of vermicompost technology
12. Training needs as felt by the respondents
13. Suggestions expressed by the respondents
List of Figures
Figures No.
Title
1. Personal and socio economic characteristics of the respondents
2. Extension characteristics of the respondents
3. Psychological characteristics of the respondents
4. Overall knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
5. Overall adoption of the trained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix No.
Title
1. Interview schedule
I. INTRODUCTION
With escalating population and shrinking resource base, the challenge to increase agricultural production on a sustainable basis is indeed a formidable one. Synthetic external inputs, which have made the green revolution possible, have the limitations of higher costs and causing damage to the environment. Environmental problems due to the concern of developed countries, but these are becoming real for the developing world as well. Unless we recognize this and take immediate measures to tackle the environmental problems, the food and economic security of our country is in great peril.
Production of NPK fertilizers in India is less than the required amount and it is estimated that about 5 to 7 million metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer would be the shortfall in the next two decades (Bagyaraj, 2004). Organic manures such as vermicompost, compost, green manure and biofertilisers would found the source to bridge this gap. Besides, the limitations of conventional agriculture have driven the Indian farmer to adopt alternate agricultural systems that are sustainable. It is in this context vermicomposting manure assumes greater practical significance.
The present growth rate of population in India demands production of additional 5-6 million tonnes of food every year for ensuring food security at the household level. This is a major challenge for the policymakers, planners, administrators, agricultural scientists and extension workers of the country. This calls for the reassessment of the existing roles, mission and strategies related to technology generation, technology assessment and refinement and dissemination in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Considering the major challenges in agriculture including the need for enhanced productivity and enhanced profitability there is a need for greater thrust for technology dissemination without any transmission loss.
To increase the food production at the rate of at least three per cent per year the efforts of government organizations alone is not sufficient. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during the fifth five year plan, launched an innovative project for imparting training in agriculture and allied areas to the farmers, school drop-outs and field level extension functionaries in the country by establishing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The education commission (1964-66) recommended that a vigorous effort be made to establish specialized institutions to provide vocational education in agriculture and allied fields at the pre and post matriculate levels to cater the training needs of a large number of boys and girls coming from rural areas. The commission, further suggested that such institutions be named as “Agricultural polytechnics”. The recommendation of the commission was thoroughly discussed during 1966-72 by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Planning Commission, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and other allied institutions. Finally the ICAR mooted the idea of establishing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers) as innovative institutions for imparting vocational training to practicing farmers, school drop-outs and field level extension functionaries.
The ICAR standing committee on agricultural education, in its meeting held in August 1973 observed that, since the establishment of KVKs was of national importance which would help in accelerating the agricultural production as also in improving the socio-economic conditions of the farming community, the ICAR constituted a committee under chairmanship of Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta of Seva Mandir, Udaipur (Rajasthan), for working out a detailed plan for implementing this scheme. The committee submitted its report in 1974. The first KVK, on pilot basis, was established in 1974 at Pondicherry under the administrative control of the Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Choudhary, 1999). Since then 536 KVKs have been established in the country during the last 30 years (Anonymous, 2006). Krishi Vigyan Kendras are being run under the State Agriculture Universities, ICAR institutes, Central University and non-governmental organizations.
These KVKs have been assigned to take up the responsibilities of technology evaluation and impact assessment, demonstration of technology on the farmer’s field, organising training courses for the extension functionaries to update their knowledge and skill and conduct trainings for the farmers including farm women and youth.
KVKs work with the following mandates
1. Conducting “On farm testing” for identifying technologies in terms of location specific sustainable land use systems.
2. Organize training to update the extension personnel with emerging advances in agricultural research on regular basis.
3. Organize short and long term vocational training courses in agriculture and allied vocations for the farmers and rural youth with emphasis on “learning by doing” for higher production on farms and generating self-employment.
4. Organize frontline demonstrations on various crops to generate production data and feedback information.
The current problem we are facing is decline in production year after year i.e., 2004 it was 214 million tonnes while in 2005 it was 204 million tonnes. What we require today is to sustain present production and then increase slowly. Sustainability is lacking and key to sustainability is organic farming. Vermicomposting is a component of organic farming.
Training is an important input which will help farmers to practice techniques scientifically. Krishi Vigyan Kendras conduct trainings on different aspects to transfer technology. To bring sustainability in farm production through vermicomposting, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur, Karnataka is imparting training to the farmers in its jurisdiction. As there were no studies in this regard the present study was designed with the following specific objectives.
1. To study the knowledge level of trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost
2. To study the adoption behaviour of trained farmers about vermicompost technology
3. To study the personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the respondents
4. To study the constraints in adoption of vermicompost as perceived by the respondents
5. Training needs as felt by the farmers
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
In the present study as attempt was made to study the impact of trainings conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur, on vermicompost.
The results of the study are hoped to provide a clear picture regarding the impact of vermicomposting on knowledge level of trained and untrained farmers, adoption behaviour of trained farmers, constraints faced by farmers in adoption and training needs as felt by the farmers. The findings of the study would be an important document which would be of practical use to the KVKs to conduct further trainings.
The knowledge of constraints faced by farmers in adoption of vermicomposting and also help to modify and rebuild the existing training programmes as well design new training programmes.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Since the present study is a part of the M.Sc. program, the constraints of time, money and other resources were inevitable. This limitation determined the restricted purposive selection of farmers who were in the jurisdiction of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur to study the impact of trainings. Hence, the generalization of results in the wider context should be applied only where similar situations prevail.
With the above limitations, the study would bring out findings, which will be of much help in building up the body of knowledge as the topic has been hardly dealt through research.
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Research is a continuous process. It helps to channelise and motivate the efforts of the research in the desirable direction, apart from determining the work done in the past, assisting in delineation of insight and procedures. It forms the basis for interpretation of findings and provides a basic theoretical framework. An attempt has been made here to review the relevant available literature having a direct and indirect bearing on the present investigation. It is to make a special point to note that this study has been a maiden effort as for as evaluating Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur under University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
To enable a lucid reading and comprehension the reviewed literature which is classified into different subheads and presented with reference to the objectives of the study, in the following subtopics.
2.1 Personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the respondents
2.2 Knowledge of the respondents
2.3 Adoption of recommended practices by the respondents
2.4 Relationship between selected characteristics of respondents with adoption of recommended practices
2.5 Constraints faced by the respondents
2.6 Suggestions given by the respondents.
2. 1 PERSONAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL, CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS
2.1.1 Age
Hagre (1991) reported that 52.70 per cent of the orange growers were from middle age group, whereas 36.44 and 10.83 per cent from young and old age group, respectively.
Yadkikar (1991) found that more than half of the respondents at KVK were from middle age category, while 24.00 per cent were from young age category. Thus, meager per cent (12.00%) of the respondents were observed from old age category.
Shirsat (1992) reported that majority (62.50 %) of the respondents were belonged to middle age category.
Reddy and Ratnakar (1993) reported that the maximum number of mango growers (56.00 %) were in the young age group followed by middle age group (34.00 %) and old age group (10.00 %).
Wakle (1994) reported that 56.67 per cent of the banana growers were in middle age category, followed by 25.33 per cent old and only 18.00 per cent of the banana growers were young age category.
Ingle and Kubde (1995) observed that relatively higher proportion KVK trainees were young in age i.e. upto 25 years age (30.30 %) and in 26 to 35 years age group (33.33 %) group.
Desai et. al., (1996) observed that the majority of KVK trainees were young in age of upto 35 years (75.5%).
More (1997) observed that majority of the KVK beneficiaries (55.00 %) were from middle age group followed by young (24.29 %). It was also observed that only 18.33 per cent beneficiaries were from old age category.
Kamble (1998) found that majority of the respondents who participated in the KVK training programmes were of young age (80.00 %) followed by middle age (18.33 %) and only 1.66 per cent respondents were in old age group.
Saxena and Gour (1999) made evident that about 50.00 per cent of KVK respondents were in young age group (i.e. 18-22 years.)
Wase (2001) observed that majority of chilli growers (52.50 %) were in the age group of 36 to 50 years, that is middle age category.
Raghunandan (2004) in his study a study on knowledge and adoption level of soil and water conservation practices by farmers in northern Karnataka reported that 45.00 per cent of the respondents (45.33%) belonged to the middle age group, followed by old age (36.25%) and young age group (18.75%), respectively.
2.1.2 Education
Lokhande (1990) found that the substantial per cent of the respondents (27.50 %) were educated up to middle school level, 19.16 per cent respondents were educated up to college level, 16.67 per cent respondents were of the category of high school and primary school and 20.10 per cent of the respondents were observed illiterate.
Yadkikar (1991) found that 32.00 per cent of the KVK respondents had education
upto graduate level, whereas 42.50 per cent of the respondents had educated upto 12th standard, while, more than one fourth of the respondents (36.50%) had education upto middle school level.
Ingle (1995) evident that more than one third of trained farmers (36.66 %) at KVK were educated up to middle school level, whereas in case of untrained farmers 33.33 per cent were educated up to primary school level. However, 25.00 per cent of the trained farmers were educated up to high school level. It could further be noticed that the respondents although found to spread over the rest categories of education level but the percentage in the rest categories were negligible.
Desai et al., (1996) found that majority of the KVK trainees had completed upto middle school level of education (59.50 %).
More (1997) indicated that 44.29 per cent of the KVK beneficiaries of cotton production technology were educated upto secondary level, followed by 17.86 per cent of the respondents were educated upto primary level, whereas 15 per cent and 12.14 per cent of the respondents were educated upto higher secondary and college level, respectively. Kamble (1998) noticed that 47.50 per cent of the KVK respondents belonged to middle school followed by high school (25.00 %) and primary school level (23.33 %). Near about 5.00 per cent respondents were functionally literate and no one respondents was observed in the illiterate category.
Saxena and Gour (1999) noticed that 53.00 per cent KVK respondents had higher education. In case of mushroom cultivation 45.00 per cent women trainees had primary education followed by 20.00 per cent women who were illiterate.
Patil (2000) observed that 36.67 per cent banana growers were educated upto middle school followed by 25.00 per cent of the banana growers were educated upto high school, while only 05.83 per cent banana growers were illiterate.
Raghunandan (2004) reported that majority (73.75%) of the respondents are literates of which 22.50 per cent studied upto primary school. 20.00 per cent studied middle school, 15.00 per cent respondents upto high school, 11.25 per cent of respondents upto pre-university, whereas, 5 per cent respondents had graduation, whereas, 23.28 per cent of the respondents were illiterate.
2.1.3 Land holding
Hagre (1991) stated that most of the respondents (58.33 per cent) were medium farmers followed by big farmers (41.67%).
Pataliya (1991) observed that majority of the mango growers had medium land holding. Only 2.50 per cent mango growers had land holding above 6.01 hectares.
Shirsat (1992) found that majority of respondents (38.33 %) had medium size of farm.
Ingle and Kude (1995) showed that relatively higher proportion of KVK trainees were from 4.01 to 10.00 ha. of land holding group (35.35 %).
Desai et al., (1996) observed that majority of KVK trainees owned 1.01 to 4.00 ha. of land holding (60.1 %).
Ingle (1997) observed that majority of the untrained farmers of KVK had possessed land upto 5 acres. Whereas, 43.33 per cent of the trained farmers possessed 5.01 to 10 acres land followed by 30.00 per cent trained farmers upto 5 acres of land.
Patil (2000) found that majority of the banana growers (64.17 %) were having medium land holding.
In general, the above review stated that majority of the respondents has possessed medium size of land holding.
2.1.4 Annual income
Hagre (1991) pointed out that 43.34 per cent of orange growers had medium income followed by high income (38.33 %) and low income group (18.33 %).
Mande (1991) observed that 71.25 per cent respondents had annual income above Rs.10,000 per year.
Nandanwankar (1991) reported that the majority of the beneficiaries (37.50 %) were from higher (above Rs. 9000) income group. Whereas 26.67 per cent non-beneficiaries respondents were from Rs. 5000 to 7000 income group. In case of non-beneficiaries, 38.75 per cent and 33.75 per cent had annual income between Rs. 5000 to 7000 and Rs. 3001 to 5000 respectively.
Desai et al., (1996) reported that majority of KVK trainees (68.70%) had annual income upto Rs. 13000/-.
Ingle (1997) reported that nearly half of the KVK respondents from both categories had income in the range of 12001 to 24,000, followed by 43.33 per cent of trained farmers having the income upto Rs. 12001, i.e. low level of income. It was noticed that 28.33 per cent of the trained farmers, had income more than Rs. 24,000 whereas in case of untrained farmers there was negligiable proportion of respondents having income more than Rs. 24,000.
Kamble (1998) noted that most of the KVK respondents had medium income (55.00 %) followed by high income (35.83 %) while only (9.16 %) had low income.
Kapse (1998) observed that the majority of the farmers (61.67 per cent) belong to medium income group whereas 20.83 per cent belongs to low income group and 17.50 per cent farmers were belong to high income group.
Anchule (2000) reported that majority of the farmers (60.00 per cent) belonged to medium income group, 24.40 per cent belonged to low income group and only 15.60 per cent farmers were belonged to high income group.
2.1.5 Extension participation
Sakharkar (1995) found that, 36.00 per cent of the respondents had participated in one or more extension activities whereas, two third (63.33%) of the respondents did not participate in any extension activities.
Angadi (1999) reported that majority of the respondents had not participated in various extension activities namely, discussion with extension personnel (98.76%), group meeting (75.23%) and training programmes (72.50% only (43.75%) and (38.13%) of the respondents participated regularly in extension activities like method demonstrations and Krishimela respectively.
Gupta (1999) reported that about (74.00%) of respondents were aware of training programmes of which only (36.00%) respondents had participated in training programmes, whereas, 56.00 per cent respondents were aware of demonstrations and only 4.66 per cent of farmers had participated, but none of the respondents had participated in field days and field visits.
Kanavi (2000) reported that none of the respondents participated regularly in training and demonstrations. Nearly one third (31.33%) of respondents participated in Krishimela. Whereas, very less number of respondents participated in extension activities like farm visits (1.33%), group discussion (2.66%) and study tour (4.00%), whereas, 20 per cent participated occasionally in Krishimela followed by training (4.66%), group discussion (4.00%), demonstration and farm visits (2.00%) each and study tour (0. 66%).
Nagaraja (2002) found that, (79.91%) of the respondents were found not participating in any of the extension activities, whereas, 8.33 per cent of the respondents were found participating in field days followed by training (5.41%), Krishimela (4.99%) and extension tours (3.35%) as observed.
2.1.6 Scientific orientation
Sakharkar (1995) observed that majority (65.00%) of the soybean growers of Nagpur district belonged to medium category of scientific orientation, 17.33 per cent each of the farmers belonged to low and high scientific orientation categories.
Saravanakumar (1996) found that majority (70.00%) of the mango growers of Dharmapuri district were in the medium scientific orientation category followed by low (15.83%) and high (14.17%) categories.
Chandran (1997) in her study reported that 31.67 per cent of the respondents belonged to the low scientific orientation category, while 30.00 per cent and 38.33 per cent of them were found to have medium and high scientific orientation, respectively.
Karpagam (2000) reported that majority of the respondents (75.00%) were in medium category followed by low category (13.33%) and high category (11.67%) with respect to scientific orientation.
The above studies reported that majority of farmers belonged to medium scientific orientation category.
2.1.7 Mass media participation
Balamatti (1993) observed that out of forty five literate paddy growers of North Canara district (Karnataka), majority (53.33%) of them never read any news paper while 40.00 per cent read them occasionally and only 6.67per cent read regularly and all of them were non-subscribers. Majority (54.29%) was found to have listened heard agricultural programmes on radio occasionally. While, 32.85 per cent had never listened and only 12.86 per cent of them listened regularly.
Hanumanaikar (1995) conducted a study in Ranebennur taluk of Dharwad district (Karnataka) reported that 86.00 per cent of sunflower growers possessed radio and most of them listened it occasionally. Almost all the subscribers of newspaper read the news paper regularly (72.22%).
Patil (1995) noticed that 47.50 per cent, 20.00 per cent and 18.75 per cent of commercial growers of sunflower were daily users of radio, T.V. and newspaper respectively. On the contrary, 43.75 per cent, 25.00 per cent and 23.75 per cent of seed producers were regularly using radio, newspaper and T.V., respectively.
Sakharkar (1995) indicated that 61.00 and 43.00 per cent of the respondents possessed radio and T.V., respectively of which, 13.66 and 12.02 per cent of them were regular listener of the general and agricultural, programme from radio, 39.23 and 30.00 per cent of them were regular viewers of general and agricultural programme on TV. Further, he reported that as high as 63.08 and 58.33 per cent of the respondents regular readers of newspaper and farm magazines, respectively.
Thangavel et al., (1996) reported that 60.00 and 52.00 per cent of the respondents had low level of mass media exposure in wet and dry areas, respectively, 28.00 and 34.00 per cent of both wet and dry areas had high level of mass media exposures.
Krishnamurthy et al., (1998) found that mass media participation was relatively higher (83%) in case of adopters as compared to the non-adopters of weedicides in paddy.
Puthiraprathap et al., (1999) found that a majority of members of credit management group belonged to low category of mass media exposure.
It could inferred from above studies that majority of farmers belonged to medium level of mass media participation.
2.1.8 Innovativeness
Hareesha (1994) found that 45.83 per cent of the respondents had high innovative proneness while, 37.5 per cent had low innovative proneness.
Raghupathi (1994) reported that 42.50 per cent of command area farmers were in the medium innovative proneness category, whereas only 15.00 per cent were in low innovative proneness category.
2.1.9 Risk Orientation
Sakharkar (1995) conducted study on soybean growers in Nagpur district of Maharashtra state and observed that 64.00 per cent of farmers showed medium risk taking ability, whereas, 16.00 per cent and 20.00 per cent of farmers had low and high risk taking ability respectively.
Gupta (1999) observed that majority (64.00%) of respondents were average risk bearers followed by low (24.67%) and high (11.33%) risk bearers.
Nagaraja (2002), reported that a majority (74.85%) of the respondents were found to possess medium risk, whereas, 15.83 per cent and 9.58 per cent of the respondents were found belonging to high and low level of risk orientation, respectively.
2.1.10 Cosmopoliteness
Ratnakar and Reddy (1991) conducted a study on tribal farmers found that majority of the respondents had high urban contact and visited regularly to the near by cities, taluka places and district.
Kashem and Hossain (1992) in their study on sugarcane growers in Bangladesh reported that majority of sugarcane growers had medium level of cosmopoliteness.
Kadian and Ramkumar (1999) in a study on factors associated with knowledge level of dairy farmers reported that cosmopoliteness helps to develop interaction, mutual understanding and outside contact which leads to higher knowledge.
Anitha (2004) indicated that more than one-fourth (28.30%) of farm women had high cosmopoliteness followed by medium (44.20%) and low (27.50%) cosmopoliteness.
Shashidhar (2004) conducted a study on influencing factors and constraints in drip irrigation by horticulture farmers of Bijapur district of Karnataka and found that 41.50 per cent of the farmers visited town occasionally followed by once in 15 days (37.50%). Whereas, respondents visiting to town for the personal or domestic purpose were 54.10 per cent followed by 35.00 per cent for new technology or agriculture purpose.
Suresh (2004) reported that 45.00 per cent of respondents had low level of cosmopoliteness followed by medium level (44.17%) of cosmopoliteness. and 10.83 per cent had high level of cosmopoliteness.
It could inferred from above studies that majority of farmers belonged medium level of cosmopoliteness category.
2.2 KNOWLEDGE OF RESPONDENTS
Dattari (1980) reported that 69.03 per cent of contact farmers and 30.67 per cent of non contact farmers under T&V system had high level of knowledge regarding improved practices of paddy cultivation. The results indicated a significant difference in extent of knowledge between the two categories of farmers which reveled that the contact farmers under T&V system could gain more knowledge as compared to non contact farmers.
Anonymous (1983) in the second evaluation report on the monitoring cum evaluation of the contact farmers under T&V programme in Gujarat state reported that majority (52.00%) of the contact farmers were not aware of T&V programme.
Dangi (1983) in his study on impact of training in adoption of improved practices by the farmers in command area development programme in Rajasthan Canal Project area reported that 69.84 per cent of the contact farmers had high knowledge level, whereas in case of followers only 30.16 per cent had high knowledge. The results further showed that there was a significant difference in knowledge between two categories of farmers.
Sharma (1983) concluded that the contact farmers of T and V system possessed higher knowledge as compared to the non-contact farmers in about two thirds of the practices of the improved rice cultivation, while in one-third, they were at equal level of knowledge.
Srivastava and Yadav (1988) inferred that 36.00 per cent of contact farmers of T&V system had good knowledge about farm technologies and 74.00 per cent of non-contact farmers of Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh had poor knowledge about farm technologies.
Reddy (1989) observed that the mean knowledge score of the trained farmers was 28.61 and that of untrained farmers was 20.07. The difference between two mean was found to be significant.
Sharma (1989) observed in his study that 70.00 per cent of respondents gained quite substantial amount of knowledge in respect of the production technology of all the eight important crops of the region under T & V system of agricultural extension. In the same way Choudhary (1991) reported that the farmers had moderate knowledge about the recommended production technology of gram.
Nikam and Rahad (1991) found in their study on lab to land programme that 70.10 per cent beneficiaries and 25.00 per cent non-beneficiaries were having medium knowledge level, while 15.00 per cent beneficiaries and 65.0 per cent non-beneficiaries had low knowledge level. Only 15.00 per cent and 10.00 per cent beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries respectively were having high knowledge level.
Sundaraswamy and Balamatti (1991) reported that majority of respondents (57.00%) belonged to medium knowledge level category. Almost equal number of respondents were in high and low level of knowledge regarding dryland farming practices.
Venkaria and Mahajan (1991) reported on the basis of their study on farmers’ knowledge about agricultural technology, that nearly half of the respondents (49.00%) had medium level knowledge. Further, they found that comparatively less percent of respondents were observed in low level knowledge group (32.00%) and high level knowledge group (19.00%).
Yadkikar (1991) reported that maximum number of the KVK respondents (55.50 %) gained medium level of knowledge followed by low and high level of knowledge (23.00 % and 21.50 %) respectively.
Angadi et al., (1992) observed that majority of the farmers (58.00%) possessed medium knowledge of cultivation practices of groundnut. This trend was noticed since many farmers lacked proper knowledge of complex practices like application of chemical fertilizers and plant protection measures.
Mundra (1992) reported that there was a significant difference in the knowledge level of member and non-member youths of Neharu Yuva Kendra with regard to rural development programmes and their sponsoring agencies.
Suresh Kumar (1992) found that most of the beneficiaries were having medium level of knowledge about JRY, followed by high level. In case of non-beneficiaries low level was followed by medium level i.e. most of the non-beneficiaries were having low level of knowledge about JRY.
Upadhyay (1993) reported that there was a significant difference in the knowledge of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries towards Integrated Watershed Development Programme. He further reported that there was no significant difference in the knowledge level of beneficiaries of three tehsils under study regarding major aspects of IWDP.
Venkaria et al. (1993) concluded that half of the farmers had medium level of knowledge regarding agricultural technology. Whereas majority of the farmers had favourable attitude towards agricultural technology. Thus, knowledge and attitude towards agricultural technology were positively and significantly related with the inputs use behaviour of all the categories of farmers.
Bheemappa et al., (1994) reported that 60.00 per cent and 71.43 per cent of adopted farmers had the knowledge of selection of suitable land and soil type respectively for the groundnut. Proper method of land preparation was known by majority of farmers (91.43 per cent). The selection of varieties was known to 22.86 per cent of farmers.
As regards the treatments, 74.28 per cent of farmers had the knowledge of seed treatment. About 60.00 per cent of farmers had knowledge about the right quantity of rhizobium to be used, with regards to fertilizer application 51.43 per cent farmers were knowing the recommended plant nutrients to be used. The method of sowing the seed by hand dibbling was known to 74.28 per cent of farmers. Around 50.00 per cent of farmers expressed the right quantity of gypsum application. In plant, protection 62.88 per cent of farmers had the knowledge of plant protection chemicals.
Budihal et al., (1994) noted that after the training, increase in knowledge level was seen to the tune of 64.00 per cent in grafting, 53.00 per cent in budding and 38.00 per cent in layering techniques. Further, it was interesting to note that need based skill oriented training had enhanced the knowledge level and resulted in increase in adoption level.
Bhati (1995) reported in his study that the majority of rural people had high knowledge about all the activities conducted by Tilona (N.G.O.). It is due to the fact that the farmers who were benefited by the NGO, have more knowledge about their activities.
Kubde et al., (1997) found that women workers in government nurseries had less than 50.00 per cent knowledge with regards to raising mango grafts (45.00 per cent) and raising seedings of kagzi lime and orange (42.00 per cent). It was nearly one third in respect of raising custard apple seedings (35.00 %) whereas, it was observed to be poor about raising guava layers (14.00 %).
Ingle (1997) observed that 90.00 per cent of the trained farmers of KVK were knowing soil type required for summer groundnut. As regards sowing time, about 95.00 per cent of trained farmers were acclimatized. Whereas, 96.66 per cent of the trained farmers were knowing about seed rate.
About seed treatment with fungicides 55.66 per cent, trained farmers were knowing. Fifty per cent of the trained farmers were knowing the rhizobium culture treatment. Regarding the fertilizer dose, 75.00 per cent of trained farmers were knowing the recommended dose.
More (1997) observed that majority of the KVK beneficiaries of cotton production technology (62.14 %) gained medium level of knowledge followed by high (27.86 %) and low (10.00 %) level of knowledge of cotton production practices
Rajput (1997) reported that the majority of respondents (60%) fell in the medium knowledge group while 22.50 per cent could be observed under high knowledge group and only 17.50 per cent respondents possessed poor knowledge about opium production technology.
Sharma et al. (1997) reported that majority of the trained (72.50 per cent) and untrained farmers (64.77 per cent) of KVK were found in medium level of knowledge regarding maize production technology.
Nagabhushanam (1998) observed that women respondents had low level of knowledge (88.63 per cent) of paddy cultivation which was observed before the training whereas, 11.32 per cent had knowledge on paddy cultivation upto medium level. After the training, the respondents gained knowledge which range from medium to high level of their percentage being 49.06 and 47.17 respectively. And only 3.77 per cent of respondents had remained at low knowledge level after the training.
Veeraiah et al., (1998) reported that majority of the trained farmers of KVK had medium level of knowledge (61.33 %) about recommended critical skills in rainfed groundnut cultivation, followed by low level of knowledge (20.00 %) and high level of knowledge (18.67 %).
Sharma and Sharma (1999) found that majority of adopted farmers had extremely high knowledge regarding extension programmes carried out by KVK. Non-adopted farmers
had medium to high knowledge regarding extension programmes carried out by KVK at Churu district of Rajastan.
Ahmed and Philip (1999) inferred that most of the trainees in all the four subject matter viz., kitchen gardening (55.50 %) mushroom cultivation (42.50 per cent), layer farming (52.56 %) and fresh water pisciculture (52.50 %) showed medium level of knowledge gain after undergoing the training in the respective field.
Gogoi et al., (2000) reported that the level of knowledge of the trained framers on recommended practices of rice was significantly higher than non-trained farmers.
Raghunandan (2004) reported that about 17.50 per cent of respondents had the complete knowledge of contour cultivation purpose. Majority of respondents possessed the knowledge of reduces soil erosion and conserves soil moisture (62.50%), followed by reduced cost of cultivation (50.00%) and directly improves soil fertility (26.25%).
2.3 ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICES BY THE RESPONDENTS
Reddy (1989) found that 45.00 per cent of the trained farmers were in the high adoption group, 41.76 per cent were in medium adoption group and only 13.33 per cent were in low adoption group. Whereas, only 3.33 per cent of untrained farmers were medium adopters. The mean adoption score of trained and untrained farmers was 19.40 and 15.09 respectively. The difference between two means was found to be significant.
Patil Somanagouda (1990) reported that all the respondents adopted recommended seed rate, method of irrigation and intercultivation and earthing-up. Majority of the respondents fully adopted the practices like use of certified seeds, timely sowing, row spacing, application of both basal dose and top dressing of NPK fertilizers and plant protection measures. However, adoption was poor in the case of spacing. Age and farming experience exhibited non-significant relationship with adoption.
Suharban et al., (1991) observed that 45.45 per cent of the mushroom trainees applied the knowledge gained through training in the cultivation of mushroom. Another 45.45 per cent applied the knowledge both in the preparation of spawn and cultivation of mushrooms. Preparation of spawn alone was tried only by 9.10 per cent of the trained persons.
Yadkikar (1991) found that 67.50 per cent of the KVK respondents showed their level of adoption at the medium level while 16.50 per cent and 16.00 per cent of the respondents fall under low and high levels of adoption, respectively.
Uma et al., (1992) stated that the training had significant efficient adoption behaviour in nutrition and homegardening.
Sharma and Riyazuddin (1993) reported that in adopted villages, respondents had adopted deworiming and vaccination against enterotoxaemia and sheep pox. Data also showed that majority of the respondents (82.00 %) were feeding concentrates to their breeding rams in adopted villages, while in non-adopted villages only 37.50 per cent respondents were adopted the practices of feeding concentrates to the breeding ram. The pregnant ewes fed with concentrates only by 16.00 per cent respondents, whereas the lambs were given no concentrates in adopted villages.
Ingle et al., (1995) reported that the adoption of preparatory tillage practices, sowing time and method of sowing, spacing, interculture and harvesting were followed by all as per recommendations. It was further observed that SB-11 was the only variety adopted fully by almost all respondents.
Adoption of other improved varieties was nil. Use of FYM was more than the recommended dose in case of 48.93 per cent respondents, their seed rates was less than recommended in case of 63.82 per cent respondents, seed treatment was not adopted by 55.31 per cent respondents whereas 34.04 per cent respondents adopted it partially.
Pujar et al., (1996) noted that 87.00, 97.00, 99.50, 25.00, 62.00 and 18,00 per cent of bakery, mat making, doll making, smokless chulla, dairy and poultry trainees of KVK respectively adopted the practices after training.
Ingle (1997) it was found that, about 55.00 per cent of the trained farmers and 63.33 per cent of the untrained farmers were located in medium adoption level group, while 31.68 per cent and 32.00 per cent of the trained and untrained farmers in high level of adoption. Whereas, only 13.33 per cent trained and 5.00 per cent untrained farmers were grouped in low level adoption.
More (1997) reported that 57.86 per cent of the KVK beneficiaries were having medium level of overall adoption of recommended cultivation practices of cotton followed by 22.86 per cent and 19.28 per cent farmers have high and low level of adoption of cultivation practices of cotton, respectively.
Veeraiah et al., (1998) observed that majority of the trained farmers of KVK (50.67 %) had medium level of adoption of recommended critical skills in rainfed groundnut cultivation. The percentage of farmers having low and high level of adoption being 28.67 per cent and 20.66 per cent, respectively.
Ahmed and Philip (1999) stated that among all the four training programmes half of the trainees of kitchen gardening (45.00 %) and layer farming (52.50 %) expressed medium level of adoption, whereas 45.00 per cent of mushroom cultivation trainees had high level of adoption. But most of the trainees of fresh water pisciculture showed low adoption (65.00 %).
Jondhale et al., (2000) indicated that the adoption of improved practices of summer groundnut was higher among trained farmers than untrained farmers.
Wase (2001) observed that majority of the respondents (56.67 %) were medium level of adoption about jayanti chilli cultivation technology. The percentage of the respondents having high level of adoption was 23.33 per cent and 20.00 per cent of respondents were having low level of adoption.
2.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS WITH ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
Age and adoption
More (1987) in rational analysis of contact farmers of Purna command area concluded that age was significantly correlated with the adoption of agricultural technology.
Yadkikar (1991) found that age of the respondents had negative and significant relationship with adoption.
Deshmukh (1995) found that there was no relationship between age of the cotton growers and adoption of the plant protection measures.
Thete (1995) reported that adoption of package of practices of cotton did not depends upon the age of the respondents.
Education and adoption
Raju (1978) reported that there was positive and significant relationship between education of respondents and adoption.
Miskin (1991) observed that education of respondents was positively and significantly related with the extent of adoption of improved technology.
Annamalai and Sekar (1992) reported that there was significant correlation between the education of cotton growers and their participation in professional IPM programmes.
It was observed that in majority of the studies education level, significantly and positively associated with adoption of improved farm practices.
Land holding and adoption
Hanchinal et al., (1991) showed that land holding of the respondents status was found to have significant association with their adoption level of recommended potato cultivation practices
Deshmukh (1994) found that there was positive and significant relationship between land holding and adoption.
Perez et al., (1997) concluded that farm size possessed by tomato growers had positive and significant relationship with the adoption of IPM practices recommended for tomato crop.
Annual income and adoption
Miskin (1991) reported that there was positively significant effect of annual income on adoption of groundnut technology.
Wasnik (1993) pointed out that land holding had shown non-significant association with adoption of sugarcane practices.
Deshmukh (1994) showed that annual income of respondents was positively and significantly related with their adoption level.
Chikhale et al., 1996) observed that annual income had positive and significant correlation with adoption of orange production technology.
Farkade (1998) found that annual income of respondents had positive and significant relationship with their adoption of biological pest control in cotton by the respondents.
Knowledge and adoption
Makode (1987) observed that there was highly significant relationship between the knowledge level and adoption level of respondents.
Panwar (1990) found that the level of knowledge was highly related with the extent of adoption of recommended varieties, seed treatment, chemical fertilizers and insecticides in contact as well as non-contact farmers.
Mande et al., (1991) found positive and significant relationship between knowledge and adoption of recommended cultivation practices of horticultural crops.
Tawde (1991) found that knowledge had positive and significant relationship with adoption of recommended technology.
Jayale (1992) reported that knowledge of mango and fig growers was positively and significantly related with adoption of horticulture crops.
Khalge (1995) found that knowledge was positively and significantly related with adoption of package of practices of bajra.
2.4 CONSTRAINTS FACED BY RESPONDENTS
Patil Samanagounda (1990) showed that lack of knowledge, insufficient supply of water and non-availability and high cost of inputs were the important reasons for non-adoption as expressed by majority of respondents.
Miskin (1991) reported the constraints in using recommended seed rate were non-availability of finance in time, non-availability of quality seed, cost of seed is high and lack of knowledge.
Shehrawat (1992) noted that numbers of constraints were encountered by the farmers for non-adoption or partial adoption of improved agricultural technology for cotton crop. Majority of the respondents reported high cost of pesticides (77.7 %), poor quality of insecticides (89.7 %), lack of knowledge about use of weedicides (97.7 per cent), lack of knowledge of plant protection measures (64.4 per cent), lack of irrigation facilities (28.8 per cent) and scarcity of labours (18.60 per cent).
Sharma and Riyazuddin (1993) observed that the poor infrastructual facilities, non-availability of reliable medicines, poor veterinary aid, difficult procedures and non co-operative attitude of bank authorities, and poor socio-economic status of the sheep farming community in the society were some of the factors which restrain the sheep farmers from the adoption of sheep production technology.
Thakrar and Rawal (1993) reported that irregular supply of electricity was the main constraints faced by the groundnut cultivators which secured highest score 347 and ranked first position. This was followed by non-availability of canal irrigation in time, non-availability of pure seed and high wages of labours secured equal score and ranked fourth.
Ingle (1997) as regards the constraints in adoption of practices of preparatory tillage observed that reason of non-availability of implements at proper time have been expressed by 15.00 per cent of the trained farmers.
Katole et. al., (1998) reported that majority of respondents (80.07 %) expressed that the lack of knowledge about biological control for controlling pests of cotton was a major constraints for them, followed by 78.67 per cent of them stated that cost of insecticide was exorbitant. It was also found that 69.33 per cent of the respondents faced difficulties of lack of knowledge about plant protection measures for cotton hybird AHH-468. Other minor constraints were financial difficulty and non-availability of insecticides in time stated by 48.00 per cent and 36.67 per cent, respectively.
Sagar (2001) observed problems of large mushroom growers as lack of good quality of spawn, uncertainty in price of mushroom, lack of common facility for storage of fresh mushroom. Problems pertaining to small and marginal mushroom growers are non-availability of requisite inputs, complex process of obtaining loan/finance, lack of low cost mushroom farm design and lack of training facilities.
2.5 SUGGESTIONS GIVEN BY RESPONDENTS
Suharban (1991) suggested that giving publicity to mushroom growing, giving more importance to practical and making available financial assistance for mushroom growing. Organise periodical seminars to trained persons and supply of printed information material on mushroom.
Seema and Hirevenkanagoudar (1992) reported that majority of farm women (62.00 %) suggested to make training programmes more practical oriented, 50.00 per cent of them suggested to organise demonstrations in farmers fields. About 43.00 per cent of them suggested to use more AV aids.
Nagpurkar (1998) observed cotton growers suggested that PKV technologies should be demonstrated at research stations, less expensive method could be evolved, the prices of PKV Hy-2 cotton seed should be reduced, technology requiring less labour should be evolved and detailed information and sources of information should be provided to the cotton growers from time to time.
Sagwal (1998) noted that there should be facilities for checking of seed and pesticides (100 %), providing good quality seed pesticides, reasonable rates (100 %), high support price (100 %), credit for purchase of agricultural equipments and other inputs (80 %) and sale of produce at village level (76 %).
Gaikwad and Gunjal (2000) noted some suggestions to overcome the problems faced by farmers. About half of beneficiaries (50.66%) from all KVKs stated that loan should be made available with lower interest rate, low cost agricultural technologies should recommended by extension agencies and formation of farmer group to make transfer of technology easy. Similarly, 25.33 to 48.00 per cent beneficiaries suggested involvement of women in dissemination of agriculture information. More than 65.33 per cent beneficiaries from KVK demanded to have market facility nearby villages. Whereas more than 70.66 per cent suggested for availability of market information to the farmer.
III. METHODOLOGY
The research methods and procedures adopted in the investigation are explained under the following major headings.
3.1 Locale of the study
3.2 Selection of sample
3.3 Selection of respondents
3.4 Selection of variables
3.5 Operationalization and measurement of variables
3.6 Constraints and suggestions
3.7 Instruments used for data collection
3.8 Statistical tools used in the study
3.1 LOCALE OF THE STUDY AREA
Since the study aims at measuring the knowledge and adoption of trained and untrained farmers, trained by KVK, Bijapur, it was necessitated to conduct the study in the jurisdiction of KVK-Bijapur. KVK Bijapur was purposively selected as there was no impact studies were conducted since its inception and particularly relating to the effectiveness of trainings imparted on vermicompost by the KVK. Hence, KVK, Bijapur was selected as locale of the study.
3.2 SELECTION OF SAMPLE
A list of trainees was obtained from KVK, Bijapur who were imparted training on vermicompost technology. Highest number of trainees were observed from villages viz.,
Yarnal, Utnal, Telgi, Akalwadi, Mangooli, and Tikota villages were selected for the study.
3.3 SELECTION OF RESPONDENTS
A list of the trainees who were undergone training on vermicompost technology by the KVK was obtained from the KVK, Bijapur. Ten trained and untrained respondents from each village were randomly selected based on highest number of trained respondents from a particular village. Sixty trained and 60 untrained farmers were selected. The total sample of the study constituted 120 respondents.
3.4 SELECTION OF VARIABLES
A. Dependent variables : Knowledge and adoption of trained and untrained farmers regarding vermicompost technology.
B. Independent variables : Age, Education, Land holding, annual income, extension participation, scientific orientation, mass media utilization, innovative proneness, risk orientation and cosmopoliteness.
3.5 OPERATIONALIZATION AND MEASUREMENT OF VARIABLES
3.5.1 Dependent variables
3.5.1.1 Knowledge
Knowledge was operationally defined as the extent to which the vermicompost techniques were known by the respondents.
For the present study an operational measure for knowledge was developed by constructing a teacher made knowledge test as suggested by Anastasi (1961). The knowledge test was constructed based on the package of practices developed for vermicompost by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. A list of 30 items were selected for the purpose and each practice was administered in the form of questions to the respondents to obtain the response from respondents. The questions were provided with alternative answers. The questions and answers pertaining to knowledge test were carefully designed in consultation with experts, specialist in vermicompost and other KVK staff. The answer to questions were quantified by giving one score to the correct answer and zero score to the incorrect one. As a result the maximum score that one could get was 30 and the minimum was zero. The total knowledge score for individual respondent was calculated by summing up the number of items correctly answered. After computing knowledge level score, the respondents were grouped in to low, medium and high categories based on the mean and standard deviation as described here.
Knowledge category Score
Low (Mean – 0.425SD )
Medium (Mean ± 0.425SD)
High (Mean + 0.425SD)
3.5.1.2 Adoption
Adoption was operationally defined as the extent to which improved vermicomposting techniques were adopted by the trainees.
Based on the review of literature and with the consultation of KVK staff and subject specialist, improved vermicompost practices were identified in the areas of pit preparation, pit filling operation, method of harvesting etc. The important practices which were directly or indirectly related to the vermicompost production were selected to know the adoption pattern. Thus, total 10 practices were selected for the study. The scores for each of the individual practices adopted was arrived by viewing relative importance of the items in consultation with specialist. The following scores were given for full, partial and non adoption of the recommended practices.
Adoption level Score
Full adoption 1.00
Partial adoption 0.5
Non adoption 0.0
The partial adoption was arrived at taking into cognizance of any deviation from the recommendation. The maximum score that respondents could obtain was 10 and the minimum was zero. Depending upon the total score obtained by each of the respondents, they were grouped into three categories with mean and standard deviations as a measure of check and expressed as below
Category Score
Low (Mean – 0.425SD)
Medium (Mean ± 0.425SD)
High (Mean + 0.425SD)
3.5.2 Independent variables
Based on the previous research studies and with the consultation of experts, the variables which were found directly or indirectly related to knowledge and adoption of vermicompost practices were identified for the study. Variables such as age, education, land holding, annual income, extension participation, scientific orientation, mass media participation, innovativeness, risk orientation and cosmopoliteness were selected for the study. The method followed for categorizing and describing each variable is described below. The results were expressed in frequency and percentage terms.
3.5.2.1 Age
It is referred to the chronological age of the respondent at the time of investigation. The age of the respondents was recorded as mentioned by them in completed years. The respondents were categorized in to three age groups based on the procedure followed by Karpagam (2000)
Category Age ( in years)
Young upto 30 years
Middle 31 to 50 years
Old Above 51 years
3.5.2.2 Education
It is operationalized as the number of years of formal education the person/ respondent has undergone. For each year of schooling, a score of one was given. The respondents were grouped into different categories based on procedure followed by Shashidhara (2003).
It is operationalized as the number of years of formal education the person/ respondent has undergone. For each year of schooling, a score of one was given. The respondents were grouped into different categories based on procedure followed by Shashidhara (2003).
Category
Education
Illiterate Cannot read and write
Primary school 1-4th standard
Middle school 5-7th standard
High school 8-10th standard
Pre-university 11th and 12
th standard
Graduate Above 12th standard
3.5.2.3 Land holding
The land holding was operationalised by considering the size of land owned by the respondent. The number of standard acres of land owned and cultivated by each respondent family was considered in determination of their size of land holding.
Depending upon the farm size, the respondents were grouped in to five categories using the criterion adopted by Ministry of Rural Development, GOI, circular No. 280-12/16/19-RD-III, (vol, II), dated 15
th November 1991 (Anonymous, 1992).
Category Land holding
Marginal farmer Upto 2.50 acres
Small farmer 2.51 to 5.00 acres
Semi-medium farmer 5.01 to 10.00 acres
Medium farmer 10.01 to 25.00 acres
Big-farmer More than 25.00 acres
3.5.2.4 Annual income
Annual income earned by the respondent from all available resources was assessed considering the following items
Main income
It was conceived as the income derived from farming during the previous year.
Subsidiary income
The income obtained by the respondents from source other than farming during the previous year.
Respondents were grouped in three categories based on their annual income using mean and standard deviation as measure of check.
Category Score
Low Less than (X – 0.425SD)
Medium In between (X ± 0.425SD)
High More than (X + 0.425SD)
3.5.2.5 Extension participation
It referred to the awareness of respondents about various extension activities and their extent of participation in them.
This variable was quantified by following the procedure of Hardikar (1998). Extension activities were listed and the respondent were asked to indicate their extent of participation in each of them. The scoring procedure is follows.
Extension participation Sl. No. Extension activities
Regular Occasional Never
1. Training 2 1 0
2. Group meeting 2 1 0
3. Exhibition 2 1 0
4. Demonstration 2 1 0
5. Field trip 2 1 0
6. Study tour 2 1 0
7. Other (specify) 2 1 0
3.5.2.6 Scientific orientation
This refers to the degree to which a respondent is oriented towards the use of scientific methods.
The scale developed by Sakharkar (1995) was used. The scale consisted of six statements with two response categories as agree, undecided and disagree. For each statement a score of 2 was assigned to ‘Agree’, response, score of 1 to ‘undecided’ and a score of zero for ‘disagree’ response. The summation of scores obtained by respondent for all the six statements indicated his level of scientific orientation. The total score ranged from 0 to
12. Based on the score obtained the respondents were categorized into three categories viz., high, medium and low based on mean and standard deviation as check.
Category Score
Low Less than (X – 0.425SD)
Medium In between (X ± 0.425SD)
High More than (X + 0.425SD)
3.5.2.7 Mass media utilization
It was operationalized as the extent to which the respondent used the mass media channels viz., radio, television and newspaper as a source of information.
The data was quantified by assigning the scores as followed by Arulprakash (2004).
Items Score
Not owned/not subscribed 0
Owned/subscribed 1
Listen/view/read regularly 2
Listen/view/read occasionally 1
Never viewed/listened/read 0
3.5.2.8 Innovativeness
It is defined as the socio-psychological orientation of an individual to get linked or closely associated with change, adopting innovative ideas and practices.
Moulik’s (1965) self rating innovative proneness scale was used to measure the innovative proneness of farmer. The scale consisted of three sets of statements. Each set contained three statements with weightages 3, 2 and 1 indicating high, medium and low degree of innovative proneness. Respondents were asked to give response as “most like” or “least like”. Score of 3 was given to “most like” response and 1 for the “least like” response. The total score ranged from 18 to 54. Further, the respondents were categorized into three categories, viz., high, medium and low based on mean and standard deviation as measures of check.
Category Score
Low Less than (X – 0.425SD)
Medium In between (X ± 0.425SD)
High More than (X + 0.425SD)
3.5.2.9 Risk orientation
It was operationalised as the degree to which the respondent was oriented towards risk and uncertainty in adopting new ideas or technologies in farming. Risk orientation scale of Supe (1969) was used in this study. The scale consists of one positive item and five negative items. The responses for positive items were scored as 2, 1 and 0 while for negative items the scores were reversed in the order of magnitude respectively.
The scores obtained for each statement were summed up to get individual respondents risk orientation score. The possible range of score in this scale was from 0 to 12. The respondents were grouped into three categories based on the mean and standard deviation.
3.5.2.10 Cosmopoliteness
It is the degree to which an individual is oriented outside of his immediate social system. The cosmopolite farmer is likely to be a unique individual in that he is motivated to look beyond his environment when most others are content to maintain a localistic frame of reference.
3.6 CONSTRAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS OFFERED BY THE FARMERS
One of the objective of the study is to find out the constraints faced by the respondents in the adoption of recommended technology.
During investigation, respondents expressed many reasons due to which they could not use recommended practices in their farming. The reasons or causes were termed as constraints in the study.
Suggestions are the ideas put forth by the respondents based on their experience. Suggestions of the farmers regarding effectiveness of training programmes conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra were obtained through open end questions. The data was presented in frequency and percentage.
3.7 INSTRUMENTS USED FOR DATA COLLECTION
Keeping in view the objectives and variables of the study, a structured interview schedule was prepared by reviewing the previous research studies, consulting and discussing with the experts and professional workers in the field of agricultural extension and state department of agriculture. After construction of schedule and prior to its administration to the sample it was pre-tested by administering it to farmers in non sample area. On the basis of pre-tested results, necessary modifications and changes were made in the schedule. The final format of the schedule is furnished in Appendix I.
The data were collected by personal interview by researcher using structured interview schedule.
3.8 STATISTICAL TOOLS AND TESTS USED
The statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, correlation and ‘t-test’ were employed wherever found appropriate and data were analyzed to draw valid inferences.
IV. RESULTS
The results are presented under the following major heads in accordance with the objectives of the study.
4.1 Personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the respondents
4.2 Overall knowledge level of trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
4.3 Knowledge of trained and untrained farmers regarding individual aspects of vermicompost
4.4 Relationship between selected independent variables with knowledge level of farmers regarding vermicompost
4.5 Overall adoption level of the trained farmers regarding recommended practices of vermicompost
4.6 Adoption pattern of recommended practices of vermicompost by the trained farmers
4.7 Relationship between selected independent variables with adoption level of the respondents
4.8 Relationship between knowledge level and adoption level of the respondents
4.9 Constrains faced by the respondents in adoption of vermicompost practices
4.10 Training needs as felt by the farmers
4.11 Suggestions as expressed by the respondents regarding vermicomposting
4.1 PERSONAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS
The data on distribution of socio-economic and personal characteristics of the respondents is depicted in Table 1.
Age
It was found that half of the trained respondents (50.00%) and 66.66 per cent of the untrained respondents belonged to the middle age group, followed by old age (23.33% each) and young age group (26.66% and 10.00%) respectively.
Education
It is clear from the data that, 30.00 per cent of trained and 15.00 per cent of untrained respondents were educated upto college, followed by high school (31.66% and 26.66 %), middle school (15.00% and 13.33%) and illiterates (10.00% and 11.67%) primary school (6.66% and 28.33%). Whereas, 6.66 and 5.00 per cent the trained and untrained respondents were graduates.
Land holding
The distribution of respondents according to land holding revealed that 26.67 per cent of trained respondents and 15.00 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to medium category, followed by marginal category (21.67% and 25.00%) semi medium category (20.00 % and 28.33 % untrained), large farmer category 18.33 per cent trained and 13.33 per cent untrained and small farmers category (13.33 % and 18.33%) respectively.
Annual income
The results indicated that 40.00 per cent of the trained and 43.33 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to low income category whereas 38.33 per cent and 35.00
per cent of them belonged to medium income category while, an equal 21.66 per cent belonged to high annual income categories, respectively.
Table 1 : Personal and socio economic characteristics of the respondents
N - 120
Sl.
No.
Characteristics Trained
n-60
Untrained
n-60
F % F %
1. Age
Young age (up to 30 yrs) 16 26.66 06 10.00
Middle age (31 to 50 yrs) 30 50.00 40 66.66
Old age (>51 yrs) 14 23.33 14 23.33
Mean 38.63 45.1
SD 11.81 11.64
2. Education
Illiterate 06 10.00 07 11.67
Primary (1-4) 04 6.66 17 28.33
Middle school (5-7 std) 09 15.00 08 13.33
High school 19 31.66 16 26.66
College 18 30.00 02 3.33
Graduates 04 6.66 03 5.00
Mean 2.98 2.61
SD 1.14 1.27
3. Land holding
Marginal farmers 13 21.67 15 25.00
Small farmers 8 13.33 11 18.33
Semi medium farmers 12 20.00 17 28.33
Medium farmers 16 26.67 9 15.00
Large farmers 11 18.33 8 13.33
Mean 29.48 27.18
SD 21.33 27.80
4. Annual Income
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 24 40.00 26 43.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 23 38.33 21 35.00
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 13 21.66 13 21.66
Mean 45.06 46.77
SD 26.22 35.28
Fig 1. Personal and socio economic characteristics of the respondents
Fig 1. Personal and socio economic characteristics of the respondents
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Young age
(up t o 30
yrs)
Middle age
(31 t o 50
yrs)
Old age
(>51 yrs)
Illit e ra t e P r imary
(1-4)
Middle
school (5-7
st d)
High
school
College Low Me dium High Ma rgina l
fa rme rs
S mall
fa rmers
S e mi
medium
fa rme rs
Me dium
fa rme rs
La rge
fa rmers
Age Educ a t ion Annua l Income Land holding
ca t egory
Tra ined
Unt ra ined
Extension participation
It is quite clear from the Table 2 that nearly half of the trained respondents (46.66%) and 16.66 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to high extension participation category followed by low (28.33% and 38.33%) and medium (25.00% and 45.00%) to extension participation categories, respectively.
Mass media participation
The finding from the Table 2 revealed that 36.66 per cent of the trained respondents belonged to high mass media participation category. While, an equal per cent (31.66%) of farmers belonged to high and low mass media participation categories. Whereas, 38.33, 33.33 and 28.33 per cent of untrained respondents were found to be in high, low and medium mass media participation category respectively.
Cosmopoliteness
From the Table 2 it was observed that 41.66 and 3.33 per cent of the trained and untrained respondents had medium level of cosmopoliteness followed by low (31.66% and 3.33%) and high (26.66% and 38.33%) level of cosmopoliteness, respectively.
Innovativeness
The data in Table 3 indicated that 38.33 per cent 26.67 per cent of trained and untrained respondents belonged to high innovativeness category followed by medium (36.66% and 23.33%) and low (25.00% and 50.00%) innovativeness categories, respectively.
Risk orientation
The data in Table 3 revealed that more than one third of the trained respondents (43.33%) and 41.66 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to medium risk orientation category, whereas 28.33 per cent of trained and 26.33 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to high level of risk orientation category respectively while, 28.33 per cent of trained and 31.67 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to low level of risk orientation categories.
Scientific orientation
It was observed from the data in Table 3 that nearly an equal per cent (43.33%) of the trained and untrained respondents were found in medium scientific orientation category. While, 35.00 per cent of trained and 28.33 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to high scientific orientation category. Where as 21.67 per cent and 28.33 per cent of the trained and untrained respondents were found in low scientific orientation.
Table 2 : Extension characteristics of the respondents
N - 120
Sl.
No.
Characteristics Trained
n-60
Untrained
n-60
1. Extension participation F % F %
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 17 28.33 23 38.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 15 25.00 27 45.00
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 28 46.66 10 16.66
Mean 2.80 0.78
SD 1.71 1.15
2. Mass media utilization
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 19 31.66 20 33.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 19 31.66 17 28.33
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 22 36.66 23 38.33
Mean 4.9 4.95
SD 2.23 2.13
3. Cosmopoliteness
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 19 31.66 17 28.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 25 41.66 23 38.33
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 16 26.66 20 33.33
Mean 5.98 6.25
SD 1.93 1.77
Fig 2. Extension characteristics of the respondents
Fig 2. Extension characteristics of the repondents
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Low Medium High Low Medium High Low Medium High
Extension participation Mass media utilisation cosmopoliteness
Category
perc
enta
ge
Traineed
Untrained
Table 3 : Psychological characteristics of the respondents
N - 120
Sl.
No.
Characteristics Trained
n-60
Untrained
n-60
1. Innovativeness F % F %
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 15 25.00 30 50.00
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 22 36.66 14 23.33
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 23 38.33 16 26.67
Mean 36.51 37.27
SD 5.25 5.98
2. Risk Orientation
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 17 28.33 19 31.67
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 26 43.33 25 41.66
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 17 28.33 16 26.67
Mean 9.53 8.18
SD 2.45 1.78
3. Scientific orientation
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 13 21.67 17 28.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 26 43.33 26 43.33
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 21 35.00 17 28.33
Mean 7.43 7.56
SD 1.71 1.56
Fig 3. Psychological characteristics of the respondents
Fig 3. Psychological characteristics of the respondents
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Low Medium High Low Medium High Low Medium High
innovativeness risk Orientation Scientif ic Orientation
Category
perc
enta
ge
Trained
Untrained
4.2 OVERALL KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF TRAINED AND UNTRAINED FARMERS WITH RESPECT TO VERMICOMPOST PRACTICES
The data presented in the Table 4 revealed that 53.33 and 18.33 per cent of trained and untrained respondents belonged to medium knowledge level category while 25.00 per cent (trained) and 18.33 per cent (untrained) of the respondents belonged to high knowledge level whereas 21.66 per and 43.33 per cent of the trained and untrained respondents had low knowledge level respectively.
4.3 KNOWLEDGE OF TRAINED AND UNTRAINED FARMERS REGARDING INDIVIDUAL ASPECTS OF VERMICOMPOST
Table 5 highlights the knowledge of the respondents regarding individual aspects of vermicompost.
Regarding ill effect of fertilizer on soil 38.33 per cent of trained farmers and 16.67 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge i.e., it affects physical property, chemical property and water holding capacity of soil.
Majority of trained farmers (71.67%) and untrained (46.67%) farmers had correct knowledge that use of chemical fertilizers has bad effects on crops, soil microbes and human beings.
Further large majority of both trained and untrained farmers (70.00% and 66.67% respectively) had correct knowledge about bad effects of heavy dose of chemical fertilizers on environment.
Regarding use of chemical fertilizers and its effect on crop resistance and incidence of pest and disease 48.33 per cent and 21.67 per cent of trained and untrained farmers had correct knowledge respectively.
Regarding the statement that use of vermicompost improves soil structure and texture, soil aeration and soil microbial activity was perceived correctly by 90.00 per cent of trained and 36.67 per cent of untrained farmers. While, 86.67 per cent and 28.33 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge that use of vermicompost increase water percolation in soil to deeper layers and reduce the incidence of moisture stress to crops.
Table 4 : Overall knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
N - 120
Sl.
No.
Categories Trained
n=60
Untrained
n=60
F % F %
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 13 21.66 26 43.33
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 32 53.33 23 38.33
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 15 25.00 11 18.33
Mean 25.74 11.32
SD 2.48 1.53
Fig 4. Overall knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
Fig 4. Overall knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Low Medium High
Category
Perc
enta
ge
Trained
Untrained
Table 5 : Knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
N - 120 Sl. No.
Statement Trained farmers n=60
Untrained farmers n=60
F % F % 1. Use of chemical fertilizer affects the soil
a. Physical property 2 3.33 38 63.33
b. Chemical property 3 5.00 3 5.00
c. Water holding capacity 32 53.33 9 15.00
d. All 23 38.33 10 16.67
2. Use of chemical fertilizers had bad effects on
a. Crops 17 28.33 25 41.67
b. Soil microbes 0 0.00 4 6.67
c. Human beings 0 0.00 3 5.00
d. All 43 71.67 28 46.67
3. Use of heavy dose of chemical fertilizers also badly affects
a. Soil 12 20.00 14 23.33
b. Water 6 10.00 6 10.00
c. Air 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. Environment 42 70.00 40 66.67
4. Use of chemical fertilizers
a. Crop resistance 14 23.33 20 33.33
b. Reduces Pest and disease incidence 10 16.67 11 18.33
c. Increase pest and disease incidence 7 11.67 15 25.00
d. All 29 48.33 13 21.67
5. Use of vermicompost improves
a. Soil structure and texture 0 0.00 0 0.00
b. Soil aeration 6 10.00 37 61.67
c. Soil microbial activity 0 0.00 1 1.67
d. All 54 90.00 22 36.67
6. Use of vermicompost increase
a. Water percolation in soil to deeper layer 1 1.67 0 0.00
b. Reduces the incidence of moisture to the crop 7 11.67 37 61.67
c. Both 52 86.64 17 28.33
d. None of these 0 0.00 3 5.00
7. Use of vermicompost loosen the soil there by
a. Increase availability of water to the crop 4 6.67 0 0.00
b. Easy movement of air in the soil 14 23.33 48 80.00
c. Both 42 70.00 10 16.67
d. None of these 0 0.00 2 3.33
8. Vermicompost will improve availability of
a. Micronutrients 21 35.00 43 71.67
b. Only major nutrients 0 0.00 9 15.00
c. Both 39 65.00 6 10.00
9. Vermicompost is suitable to
a. Only red soil 4 6.67 0 0.00
b. Only black soil 15 25.00 34 56.67
c. All types of soils 41 68.33 26 43.37
10. Vermicompost can be used in
a. Selected crop only 20 33.33 26 43.33
b. Only in kharif or rabi season 0 0.00 10 16.67
c. All crops and all season 40 66.67 24 40.00
11. Vermicompost is effective than FYM
a. Two times 46 76.67 21 35.00
b. Four times 14 23.33 28 46.67
c. 10 times 0 0.00 6 10.00
d. 4-10 time 0 0.00 5 8.33
Sl. No.
Statement Trained farmers n=60
Untrained farmers n=60
n % n %
12. Moisture retension capacity of vermicompost is _____ time more than the soil
a. 1 time 0 0.00 6 10.00
b. 10 times 0 0.00 11 18.33
c. 100 times 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. 3 times 60 100.00 43 71.67
13. Using vermicompost helps to
a. Increase the crop resistance to pest and disease 58 96.67 1 1.67
b. No change 2 3.33 19 31.67
c. Decrease the crop resistance to pest and disease 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. No idea 0 0.00 40 66.67
14. Shelf life of flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains
a. Increases with use of vermicompost 60 100.00 49 81.67
b. Decreases with use of vermicompost 0 0.00 0 0.00
c. No change 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. No idea 0 0.00 11 18.33
15. Pit size should be
a. 10 x 1 x 0.3 mt 60 100.00 22 36.67
b. 10 x 10 x 2 mt 0 0.00 24 40.00
c. 10 x 2 x 2 mts 0 0.00 11 18.33
d. None of these 0 0.00 3 5.00
16. Pit can be made
a. Only above the ground 3 5.00 11 18.33
b. Only below the ground 25 41.67 40 66.67
c. Both 32 53.33 9 15.00
17. Material used for construction of vermicompost pit is
a. Minajagi slab 0 0.00 1 1.67
b. Bricks 29 48.33 35 58.33
c. Cement bricks 1 1.67 19 31.67
d. All 30 50.00 5 8.33
18. Vermicompost pit is treated with chemicals
a. Chloropyriphos 2 ml/lt or methomyl or Bavistin 60 100.00 48 80.00
19. The pit should be filled
a. 15 days after pit formation 2 3.33 4 6.67
b. One week after pit formation 58 96.67 16 26.67
c. Immediately after pit formation 0 0.00 7 11.67
d. No idea 0 0.00 33 55.00
20. Materials used for filling up of pits
a. Any agriculture wastes 20 33.33 22 36.67
b. Waste paper and plastics 0 0.00 0 0.00
c. Only crop residues 0 0.00 2 3.33
d. A and B 40 66.67 36 60.00
21. Pits can be filled
a. As per convenience 0 0.00 7 11.67
b. Layer wise 60 100.00 45 75.00
c. There is no definite procedure 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. No idea 0 0.00 8 13.33
22. Worms are released to pit
a. Immediately after filling the pit 0 0.00 32 53.33
b. 7 days after filling the pit 59 98.33 16 26.67
c. 15 days after filling the pit 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. After decomposed matter 1 1.67 12 20.00
Sl. No.
Statement Trained farmers n=60
Untrained farmers n=60
n % n %
23. The pit can be watered
a. Daily 1 1.67 37 61.67
b. Once in week 0 0.00 0 0.00
c. Once in 15 days 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. Looking to optimum moisture level 59 98.33 23 38.33
24. Vermicompost is ready for harvesting in
a. 2 months after leaving the worms 2 3.33 0 0.00
b. 3 months after leaving the worms 57 95.00 4 6.67
c. 6 months after leaving the worms 1 1.67 0 0.00
d. No idea 0 0.00 56 93.33
25. Before harvesting of vermicompost 0.00 0.00
a. Watering should be stopped one month prior to harvesting 0 0.00 0 0.00
b. Water should be stopped 15 days prior to harvesting 10 16.67 3 5.00
c. Watering should be stopped a week prior to harvesting 50 83.33 3 5.00
d. No idea 0 0.00 54 90.00
26. Do you know preparation of vermiwash
a. Yes 54 90.00 0 0.00
b. No 6 10.00 60 100.00
27. What are the advantages of vermiwash
a. It acts as a growth harmone 6 10.00 0 0.00
b. It decreases pest and disease incidence to crop 27 45.00 2 3.33
c. It contain major and micro nutrients 4 6.67 0 0.00
d. No idea 23 38.33 58 96.67
28. Materials used for storage vermiwash
a. Cement 0 0.00 0 0.00
b. Plastic drum 50 83.33 0 0.00
c. Mud pot 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. No idea 10 16.67 60 100.00
29. Proportion of vermiwash dilution in water
a. 1:10 0 0.00 0 0.00
b. 1:20 0 0.00 0 0.00
c. 1:4 59 98.33 2 3.33
d. 1:6 1 1.67 58 96.67
30. Protection of earthworms from enemies
a. Neem cake 58 96.67 5 8.33
b. Neem leaf extract 2 3.33 0 0.00
c. Chadurang powder 0 0.00 0 0.00
d. Others 0 0.00 55 91.67
Majority of trained farmers (70.00%) and only 16.67 per cent of untrained farmers perceived correctly that use of vermicompost loosen the soil there by increase availability of water to the crop and easy movement of air in the soil. While, 65.00 per cent and 13.33 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge that use of vermicompost improves availability of micro and major nutrients to the crop.
Regarding suitability of vermicompost to different types of soil 68.33 per cent and 43.33 per cent of trained and untrained farmers exhibited correct knowledge. While, utility of vermicompost to all types of crops, seasons and types of soil was perceived correctly by 66.67 per cent of trained farmers and 40.00 per cent untrained farmers.
Regarding effectiveness of vermicompost over farm yard manure 76.67 per cent of trained farmers and 35.00 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge that it is twice effective than farm yard manure. While, cent per cent of trained farmers and 71.67 per cent of untrained farmers perceived that moisture retention capacity of vermicompost is three times more than the soil.
A high majority of both trained and untrained farmers 96.67 per cent and a meager 1.67 per cent respectively had correct knowledge that use of vermicompost increase the crop resistance to pest and disease. While, cent per cent of trained farmers and 81.67 per cent of untrained farmers perceived that use of vermicompost increases shelf life of flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains.
The data further revealed the information regarding knowledge about techniques of vermicomposting and its sub aspects.
Regarding pit size (10 x 1 x 0.3 mts), cent per cent of trained farmers and 36.67 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge. While, 53.33 per cent and 15.00 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge about preparation of pit (above ground and below ground).
Regarding material used for construction of vermicompost pit 50.00 per cent of trained farmers and only 8.33 per cent of untrained farmers exhibited correct knowledge. While, knowledge regarding treatment of vermicompost pit with chemical cent per cent of trained and 80.00 per cent of untrained farmers exhibited correct knowledge.
Regarding pit filling operation 96.67 per cent and 26.67 per cent of trained farmers and untrained farmers had correct knowledge that it should be filled after one week of pit formation. While, 66.67 per cent of trained and 60.00 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge about raw materials used for filling the pit.
Cent per cent of trained and three fourth (75.00%) of untrained farmers had correct knowledge of filling pit layer wise. While, 98.33 per cent and only 26.67 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge regarding release of worms in to the pit i.e., 7 days after filling the pit.
Regarding watering of pit 98.33 per cent of trained and 38.33 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge (based on optimum moisture level).
Regarding knowledge about harvesting practices, high majority of trained farmers (95.00%) and a meager 6.67 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge about period/time of vermicompost harvesting (3 months after leaving the worms). While, 83.33 and 5.00 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge about stopping the watering to pits a week prior to harvesting.
Regarding vermiwash preparation 90.00 per cent of trained farmers had correct knowledge.
Regarding advantages of vermiwash 61.67 per cent of trained and only 3.33 per cent of untrained farmers had correct knowledge. While, suitability of use of vermiwash to different crops, cent per cent of the trained farmers had correct knowledge.
Regarding proportion of vermiwash dilution 90.00 per cent of trained farmers had correct knowledge.
Regarding enemies of earth worm cent per cent of both trained and untrained farmers had correct knowledge. While, 96.67 per cent and only 8.33 per cent of trained and untrained farmers respectively had correct knowledge regarding protection of earthworms from enemies.
4.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED INDEPENDENT VARIABLES WITH KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF FARMERS REGARDING VERMICOMPOST
The result in Table 6 revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between knowledge of trained and untrained farmers with independent variables viz., education, extension participation and mass media participation. Further, it was observed that variables cosmopoliteness, innovativeness and scientific orientation had positive and significant relationship with knowledge level of trained farmers. All other variables exhibited non-significant relationship with knowledge level.
4.5 OVERALL ADOPTION LEVEL OF THE TRAINED FARMERS REGARDING RECOMMENDED PRACTICES OF VERMICOMPOST
The data presented in the Table 7 revealed that 45.00 per cent of trained respondents belonged to high adoption level category while 40.00 per cent trained respondents belonged to medium adoption level whereas 15.00 per cent of the trained respondents had low adoption level.
Table 6 : Correlation between independent variables and knowledge level of the respondents
N - 120
Independent variables Pearson Correlation coefficient ‘r’ value
Pearson Correlation coefficient ‘r’ value
Trained
n=60
Untrained
n=60
Age 0.030 NS
0.116 NS
Education 0.275* 0.276*
Land holding 0.046 NS
0.006 NS
Annual income 0.067 NS
0.030 NS
Extension participation 0.665** 0.326*
Mass media participation 0.328* 0.339**
Cosmopoliteness 0.262* 0.057 NS
Innovativeness 0.274* 0.101NS
Risk orientation 0.143NS
0.072NS
Scientific orientation 0.326* 0.094 NS
** - Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level * - Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level NS – Non significant
Table 7 : Overall adoption of the trained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
n=60
Sl. NO.
Categories F %
Low (Mean- 0.425SD) 9 15.00
Medium (Mean + 0.425SD) 24 40.00
High (Mean + 0.425SD) 27 45.00
Mean 5.93
SD 1.80
Fig 5. Overall adoption of the trained farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
Fig 5. Overall adoption of the trained farmers with respect to vermicompost
practices
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Low Medium High
Category
percentage
Trained
4.6 ADOPTION PATTERN OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICES OF VERMICOMPOST BY THE TRAINED FARMERS
Table 8 highlighted the adoption pattern of vermicompost by the respondents regarding individual aspects of vermicompost.
Cent per cent of the respondents fully adopted recommended practices of vermicomposting with respect to materials used for pit construction, pit position, time of filling the pit after treatment, raw material used for filling the pit, sequential method of filling the pit and its harvest. While, 96.67 per cent considered recommended points for selection of site, 95.00 per cent fully adopted method of harvesting, 93.33 per cent left the worms to the pit, 90.00 per cent followed pit size , 80.00 per cent followed method of watering and 16.67 per cent treated the pit before filling with chemical dose as recommended.
4.7 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED INDEPENDENT VARIABLES WITH ADOPTION LEVEL OF THE RESPONDENTS
The result in Table 9 indicated that, independent variables viz., education, extension participation, mass media participation, innovativeness, scientific orientation and cosmopoliteness exhibited positive and significant relationship where as age, occupation, land holding, annual income and risk orientation exhibited non-significant relationship with adoption level.
Table 8 : Adoption of recommended practices of vermicompost
n - 60
Trained
(n-60) Sl. No. Statements
Fully adopted Partially adopted
Not adopted
1. Points considered for selection of site
3.33 96.67 0.00
2. Pit size (10 x 1 x 0.3 mts) 10.00 90.00 0.00
3. Materials used for pit construction 100.00 0.00 0.00
4. Pit position : Below the ground/ above the ground
100.00 0.00 0.00
5. Raw materials used for filling the pit
100.00 0.00 0.00
6. Sequential method of filling the pit as per the procedure
100.00 0.00 0.00
7. Leaving the worms to the pit 7.66 93.33 0.00
8. Method of watering 20.00 80.00 0.00
9. Harvesting of vermicompost 100.00 0.00 0.00
10. Method of harvesting 5.00 95.00 0.00
Table 9 : Correlation between independent variables and Adoption level of trained respondents
n - 60
Independent variables Pearson Correlation coefficient ‘r’ value
Trained (n=60)
Age 0.097 NS
Education 0.331*
Land holding 0.004 NS
Annual income 0.123 NS
Extension participation 0.635**
Mass media participation 0.311*
Cosmopoliteness 0.328*
Innovativeness 0.341*
Risk orientation 0.216NS
Scientific orientation 0.324*
** - Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level
* - Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level
NS – Non significant
4.8 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ADOPTION LEVEL OF THE RESPONDENTS
From the Table 10 it is clear that there was positive and significant relationship between knowledge level and adoption of the respondents. This implies that as knowledge of individual increases regarding any technology or innovations they tend to adopt the practices to the full extent regarded that it is suitable to his field conditions.
4.9 CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN ADOPTION OF VERMICOMPOST PRACTICES
A perusal of data in Table 11 revealed that cent per cent of the respondents expressed non-availability of sufficient raw material and insufficient production of vermicompost as major constraint followed by lack of handling skills in use of vermiwash (71.67%) and financial problems to expand vermicompost enterprise (66.67%).
4.10 TRAINING NEEDS AS FELT BY THE FARMERS
A cursory look at data in Table 12 depicted that 41.67 per cent of the respondents expressed they need training on management of dairy and apiculture enterprise, followed by training required on management practices of sheep and goat rearing, dairy (38.33%), require more number of trainings on vermicompost and vermiwash (30.00%), training on medicinal and aromatic plants (18.33%) and training on preparation and use of bio-pesticides (13.33%).
4.11 SUGGESTIONS AS EXPRESSED BY THE RESPONDENTS REGARDING VERMICOMPOSTING
The data in Table 13 highlighted the suggestions expressed by respondents such as develop community vermicompost pits to obtain sufficient raw material for vermicompost (100.00%), procedure to be made simple for availing subsidy schemes (88.33%), interest on loan should be reduced and procedures to be simplified (81.66%) and need more trainings on use of vermiwash (30.00%).
Table 10 : Correlation between Knowledge and Adoption of trained respondents
n -60
Group Pearson Correlation coefficient ‘r’ value
Trained farmers 0.78**
** - Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level
Table 11 : Constraints in adoption of vermicompost technology
Sl. No. Constraints Trained (n-60)
F %
1. Non-availability of sufficient raw material for making vermicompost
60 100.00
2. Insufficient production for large scale use 60 100.00
3. Lack of handling skills in use of vermiwash
43 71.67
5. Financial problem to expand vermicompost enterprise
40 66.67
Table 12 : Training needs as felt by the respondents
Trained (n-60) Sl. No. Training needs
F %
1. Training on management of Dairy and apiculture 25 41.67
2. Training on management practices of sheep and goat rearing
23 38.33
3. More number of trainings on vermicompost and vermiwash
18 30.00
4. Training on medicinal and aromatic plants 11 18.33
5. Trainings on preparation and use of bio-pesticides
8 13.33
Table 13 : Suggestions expressed by the respondents
Trained (n-60) Sl. No. Suggestions
F %
1. Develop community vermicompost pits to obtain sufficient raw material for vermicompost
60 100.00
2. Procedure to be made simple for availing subsidy schemes
53 88.33
3. Interest on loan should be reduced and procedures to be simplified
49 81.66
4. Need more trainings on use of vermiwash 18 30.00
V. DISCUSSION
The results of the present study are discussed in this chapter under the following heads.
5.1 Personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the respondents
5.2 Knowledge level of trained and untrained farmers regarding vermicompost technology
5.3 Relationship between selected independent variables with knowledge level of respondents
5.4 Adoption of trained farmers regarding vermicompost technology
5.5 Relationship between personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of trained farmers with their adoption level
5.6 Relationship between knowledge level and adoption level of the respondents
5.7 Constrains faced by the respondents in adoption of vermicompost practices
5.8 Training needs as felt by the farmers
5.9 Suggestions as expressed by the respondents regarding vermicomposting
5.1 PERSONAL, SOCIO ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMERS
Age
The result presented in Table 1 indicated that majority of the respondents (50.00% and 66.00%) of trained and untrained farmers were middle aged. Usually farmers of middle age are enthusiastic and have more work efficiency than the older and younger ones. Further, individuals of 36 to 50 years of age group have more family responsibility than the younger ones. This might be the important reason to find majority of the respondents in the age group of 36 to 50 years.
The results are in line with the findings of Joshi (1992), Balamatti (1993) and Patil (1995)
Education
With regards to level of education, it could observed that 40.00 per cent of the trained farmers were educated up to college level, while 35.00 per cent of untrained farmers studied up to high school.
Land holding
It was observed that 26.66 and 15.00 per cent of trained and untrained farmers belonged to medium land holding category.
Farmers inherit land holding from their ancestors and carry on further the farming occupation. As a result, it is quite possible that farmers with their land holding evince keen interest to know about the new ideas and technologies and try to coordinate their resources to get the maximum results out of their holdings.
Annual income
It was found that nearly an equal per cent of (35.00%) had medium level of annual income. Variation in annual income to be attributed to the size of land holding and subsidiary occupation of the respondents. Generally farmers with higher land holding and having subsidiary occupation earn more than others.
Extension participation
It is evident from the Table 2 that nearly half (46.67 and 45.00%) of the trained and untrained respondents had high and medium extension participation, respectively.
The probable reason for majority of farmers to be in high and medium category might be due to their interest in extension activities which directly helps them to gather information on recent innovations and technologies which helps them to seek information from extension experts, subject matter specialists, etc. This in turn helps to increase their knowledge level and adoption behaviour.
Mass media participation of the farmers
The result pertaining to mass media participation presented in Table 2 indicated that nearly 40.00 per cent of the trained and untrained farmers had high mass media utilization.
Mass media provides information on experiences of successful farmers through various channels like television, radio, newspaper etc., which reinforces confidence in other farmers to take up similar activities or try out new innovations.
The results are in conformity with the findings of Ramanna et al., (2000), Dhamodaran and Vasantha Kumar (2001).
Cosmopoliteness
From the Table 2, it is revealed that majority (41.66 and 33.33%) of the trained and untrained farmers had medium level of cosmopoliteness respectively.
Cosmopoliteness is the degree to which a farmer is oriented outside his community to seek information. Majority were under medium level due to the fact that the cities/towns are nearer to the villages of the respondents and availability of good transportation.
The findings are in line with the results of Anitha (2004).
Innovative proneness
The data presented in Table 3 indicated that majority of the respondents (38.33 and 50.00%) were found in high and low innovative proneness category.
This could be attributed to the high level of education of the respondents which helped them to acquire new technology at their fields. Further, because of dryland farming, they might be interested to adopt new ideas to increase their income level.
Risk orientation
The data presented in Table 3 indicated that nearly an equal per cent of the trained and untrained respondents (43.33 and 41.66%) were found in medium risk orientation is a peculiar characteristics of an individual farmer. Agriculture in India is considered as gambling with nature. Often the vagaries in weather conditions and monsoon affect the yields of crops. It is a fact that farmers trend to take risk only when they are assumed of certain results or expected outcomes. These reasons might have contributed to the above findings.
Results are in consonance with the findings of Venkataramulu (2003).
Scientific orientation
It was observed from the data in Table 3 that nearly an equal per cent (43.33%) of the trained and untrained respondents were found in medium scientific orientation category. While, 35.00 per cent of trained and 28.33 per cent of untrained respondents belonged to high scientific orientation category. Where as 21.67 per cent and 28.33 per cent of the trained and untrained respondents were found in low scientific orientation.
This could be attributed to the high level of education of the respondents, which helped them to acquire information about new technologies and skills and practice them in their fields. Further, because of dryland nature of farming, they might be interested to gather required information about new ideas to increase their income level.
5.2 KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF TRAINED AND UNTRAINED FARMERS REGARDING VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY
Data in Table 4 revealed that 21.66 per cent trained and 43.33 per cent of untrained farmers had low level of over all knowledge while, 53.33 and 38.33 per cent of trained and untrained respondents belonged to medium overall knowledge level whereas 25.00 and 18.33 per cent of respondents had high overall knowledge level.
An appraisal of results in Table 5 highlights that an overall trained farmers had relatively correct knowledge about various aspects of vermicompost practices than untrained farmers.
Majority of trained farmers (>60%) had correct knowledge about ill effect of agricultural chemicals on soil properties, crops, soil microbes, human beings and environment, resistance of pest and diseases.
Relatively a high majority of trained farmers i.e., more than 70.00 per cent of trained farmers had correct knowledge regarding advantages of vermicompost such as its effect on soil structure and texture, increase in water percolation in soil, soil aeration, suitability to different types of soils, its effectiveness over farm yard manure and its advantage in developing crop resistance to pest and diseases.
Regarding techniques of vermicomposting nearly cent per cent of trained farmers had correct knowledge of pit size required, material used for construction of vermicomopost, pit filling operation, treatment of vermicompost pit with chemical and pit filling operation, release of worms to the pit, watering of pit, harvesting pattern.
There was a variation in knowledge level of respondents regarding vermiwash technique such as preparation of vermiwash, advantages of vermiwash, material used for storage of vermiwash, dilution of vermiwash.
From these result. It is clearly observed that training given by KVK has created a positive impact on the knowledge of trained farmers in making them highly knowledgeable about practices of vermicomposting. The knowledge obtained through the training provided by KVK was significant and had positive relationship with trained farmers about improved practices of vermicomposting, which clearly indicated that training improves the knowledge level of trained farmers about vermicompost practices.
In addition to benefit of training programme other reasons which could have contributed to higher knowledge level may be the education level of trained farmers (40.00% were educated up to PUC level) their high extent of participation and mass media utilization which might have contributed indicated their overall knowledge level.
5.3 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED INDEPENDENT VARIABLES WITH KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF RESPONDENTS
Knowledge has got many dimensions by which it is influenced. Some of these could be age, education, land holding, annual income, , extension participation, mass media participation, innovativeness, risk orientation, scientific orientation and cosmopoliteness. These variable tested for significance of association with knowledge level of the respondents as presented in Table 6 revealed that variables namely; education, mass media participation, innovativeness, scientific orientation and cosmopoliteness exhibited a significant association with knowledge level of the respondents at five percent level of probability. While, age, occupation, land holding, annual income and risk orientation revealed a non-significant association, The association of each of these variables with knowledge is discussed here under.
Age and knowledge
Age was found to be non-significantly related with the level of knowledge of both trained and untrained farmers. This inferred that farmers of different age group had similar
knowledge level regarding recommended vermicompost practices. The knowledge level of younger farmers was slightly higher than old farmer but this was not significant.
The relationship might be because farmers of different age have understood the important practices required. This might have helped majority of farmers to know about the practices at similar level.
The above findings was in conformity with the Bhatkar (1995) and Kanavi (2000).
Education and knowledge
The association between education and knowledge level of trained and untrained was found to be significant and positive. It is a known fact that formal education widens the horizons of an individual. In addition, the possible reason for significant association might be that literate people are more receptive and always in search for new information and technologies, which help them to improve their socio-economic conditions. Further, the understanding of the information learnt from the different sources will be enhanced through education.
Similar results have been obtained by Sharma and Sharma (1999) and Mankar and Ingle (1997).
Land holding and knowledge
Land holding was found to be non-significant related with knowledge level of trained and untrained respondents. This inferred that farmers with different land holding had similar knowledge level regarding recommended practices.
Irrespective of land holding farmers tend to have knowledge about vermicompost practice. Use of this practice is relatively old and has been used over a period of years in traditional farming. The information was passed on from generations about its usefulness, hence irrespective of their land holdings, farmers were aware and had knowledge of these practices. Hence, non significant relationship must have been observed between land holding and knowledge.
Annual income and knowledge
A non-significant relationship was noticed between the annual income and the knowledge level of the respondents.
The knowledge obtained by the respondents might have nothing to do with their annual income. The knowledge level of the respondents might be due to their past experience, and through use of different mass media or also through interaction between the respondents and the localites in the area which might have led to the non significant relationship between annual income and knowledge level of the respondents.
This finding is in conformity with the results reported by Jagadal (1989), Sakharkar, et
al., (1992), Patel et al., (1994) and Channal (1995).
Extension participation and knowledge
The extension participation exhibited positive and significant relationship with knowledge of the trained and untrained farmers.
The positive and significant relation between extension participation and knowledge level of farmers irrespective of whether they are trained or untrained is quite evident due to the fact that, more contacts by the farmers with the extension personnel provide them an opportunity to know and discuss regarding modern cultivation practices, which inturn enriches their knowledge. Greater contacts with extension personnel might have motivated the farmers in various ways and they might have gained more knowledge due to the wider exposure, contact and interaction with source of technical information that is extension personnel. Another possible reason could be, due to availability of different activities in command area compared to other areas, the government officials, private agencies and also together extension agencies might have concentrated more extension activities in that area and hence due to the direct or indirect participation of farmers, their knowledge level might have increased to a greater extent.
The above findings were in conformity with the findings of Gangadharappa (1979), and Somasundaram and Singh (1979) who indicated the presence of a positive and significant association between extension participation and gain in knowledge.
Mass media utilization and knowledge
Mass media significantly related with knowledge level of the respondents. In the present study it was found that majority of the respondents (>60%) belonged to medium and high level of mass media participation category. Exposure to different mass media sources like news papers, farm magazines, radio and television might have helped the respondents to gain recent information. The advent of mass media provided enourmous opportunities for repeated exposure of farmer to new technology motivating them to take further interest to learn about them. Hence, those farmers who had higher exposure to mass media had exhibited higher knowledge.
Similar findings were reported by Bhatkar et al., (1995) and Kanavi (2000) who found the significant relationship between knowledge and mass media exposure.
Innovativeness and knowledge
Innovative proneness and knowledge were found to be positive and significantly associated knowledge level of trained respondents only. Innovation decision process necessarily requires knowledge as the first step for adoption of farm technology. This implies that higher the level of knowledge more will be the persuasion of the respondent to adopt or reject innovation. Hence the findings were observed.
Risk orientation and knowledge
Risk orientation was non-significantly related to the knowledge level of the respondents. As discussed earlier that risk orientation depends upon individual’s ability to face uncertainty. This is influenced by on financial position or economic conditions. In present study nearly half of the respondents were found in low and medium risk orientation category. Irrespective of their financial conditions respondents differed in their overall knowledge level. This might have contributed to a non-significant between risk orientation and knowledge.
The findings was in line with Meti (1998) and Nagaraj (2002).
Scientific orientation and knowledge
Scientific orientation was found to be positively and significantly related with the knowledge level of trained respondents. This might be due to the fact that respondents with higher scientific orientation would try to gather more information which could be applied at the field level and also technical information helps in increasing production.
Similar finding was reported by Suresh Kumar (1997).
Cosmopoliteness and knowledge
Farmers with low cosmopoliteness had low level of knowledge. The correlation revealed that there was significant association between cosmopoliteness and knowledge of trained respondents. The findings are in conformity with findings of Manju, (1997), Preetha, (1997) and Manju, (1996). The possible reason for this trend may be that cosmopolite oriented individuals will have greater contact with the larger society and this might have broadened the mental horizon of farmers to acquire more reinforcement in gaining knowledge about vermicompost practices prevailing in other region or locality.
5.4 ADOPTION OF TRAINED FARMERS REGARDING VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY
Table 8 highlighted the adoption pattern of vermicompost by the respondents regarding individual aspects of vermicompost.
Cent per cent of the respondents fully adopted recommended practices of vermicomposting with respect to materials used for pit construction, pit position, time of filling the pit after treatment, raw material used for filling the pit, sequential method of filling the pit and its harvest. While, 96.67 per cent considered recommended points for selection of site,
95.00 per cent fully adopted method of harvesting, 93.33 per cent left the worms to the pit, 90.00 per cent followed pit size , 80.00 per cent followed method of watering and 16.67 per cent treated the pit before filling with chemical dose as recommended.
The possible reason for the above findings could be that those practices which were easy to adopt and required less skill were fully adopted by the respondents. While, those practices which required more knowledge and handling skills were adopted by less number of respondents.
5.5 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAINED FARMERS WITH THEIR ADOPTION LEVEL
Adoption has got many dimensions by which it is influenced. Some of these could be age, education, land holding, annual income, extension participation, mass media participation, innovativeness, risk orientation, scientific orientation and cosmopoliteness. These variable tested for significance of association with adoption level of the respondents as presented in Table 9 revealed that variables namely; education, extension participation, innovativeness, scientific orientation and cosmopoliteness exhibited a significant association with adoption level of the respondents. While, age, occupation, land holding, annual income and risk orientation revealed a non-significant association, The association of each of these variables with adoption is discussed here under.
Age with adoption
Age showed non-significant relationship with adoption of vermicompost practices of both the categories of trained and untrained farmers. The negative trend indicated that as age increases the level of adoption of vermicompost practices decreases but not to the significant extent.
This was in conformity with the research findings reported by Ramulu and Rao (1972) who revealed that age non significant and negatively correlated with the extent of adoption.
Education and adoption
Formal education level of trained and untrained farmers was found significantly related with adoption of vermicompost practices.
The possible reason could be that higher education level of the farmers might have helped them to a larger extent in grasping and retaining the complex agriculture technology. The higher education of the farmers might have made them to get exposed to printed media. Many of the vermicompost practices require certain amount of scientific knowledge and skills to adopt, which can be easily accepted by farmers who had better formal education than those who lack of it. The farmers who had higher formal education acquired information, resulting in the adoption of vermicompost practices, hence the significant relationship was observed with these two variable, besides the trained and untrained factor.
The above findings was in agreement with the research findings of Jha and Shehrawat (1972), Gangappa (1975), Desai (1977), Patil (1980) and Baadgaonkar (1983) who reported significant relationship between educational level and adoption of practices.
Land holding and adoption
A non-significant relationship between farm size and adoption level of respondents was evident from the result of Table 10 implying that farm size did not contribute significantly in enhancing the adoption level of farmers.
The probable reason for the above finding might be any technology requires adequate knowledge to adopt new practice irrespective of the farm size owned. Further, vermicompost technique is gaining importance in present context. Farm size might have not affected its adoption by small or large farmers because of necessity to reduce increasing costs of production and at same time maintain environmental conditions.
Past studies conducted by Sudheendra (1986), Patil (1988), Sakharkar et al., (1992) and Sakharkar (1995) reported non-significant relationship between farm size and adoption.
Annual income and adoption
A non-significant relationship was observed between the annual income and adoption of the respondents.
The plausible reason for the non-significant relationship might be due to the fact that vermicompost practices requires less inputs except for labour and is comparatively cheaper. Thus income ceases to have much influence on the adoption of the practices.
The results that annual income was non significantly related to adoption level was in with findings in the earlier studies of Jagadal (1989), Sakharkar et al., (1992) and Channal (1995) but contradicted with those obtained by Halkatti (1988).
Extension participation and adoption
The relationship between extension participation and adoption of vermicompost practices among trained and untrained farmers was significant as revealed by ‘r’ value.
The possible reason for this trend may be that, the farmers who had participated in training course, attended meeting, field days, tours, krishimela might have come in closer contact with extension personnel and other farmers leading to increased knowledge about cultivation practices, which might have motivated them for positive action, that is adoption. The other reason that could attributed is, that extension participation provides opportunity for contrived experience and interaction with other farmers thus leading to higher adoption.
The findings of the present study was in conformity with the findings reported by Reddy and Jalihal (1974), Sundarswamy and Doriaswamy (1975), Ravikumar (1979), Pamadi (1980) and Rotti (1983) who also reported significant relationship between extension participation and adoption.
Mass media utilization and adoption
The finding from the Table 7 revealed that 36.66 per cent of the trained respondents belonged to high mass media participation category. While, an equal per cent (31.66%) of farmers belonged to high and low mass media participation categories.
Mass media significantly related with adoption level of the respondents. In the present study it was found that (36.66%) of the respondents belonged to high level of mass media participation category. Exposure to different mass media sources like news papers, farm magazines, radio and television might have helped the respondents to gain recent information. The advent of mass media provided enourmous opportunities for repeated exposure of farmer to new technology motivating them to take further interest to learn about them. Hence, those farmers who had higher exposure to mass media had exhibited higher adoption.
Similar findings were reported by Bhatkar et al., (1995) and Kanavi (2000) who found the significant relationship between knowledge and mass media exposure.
Cosmopoliteness and adoption
A significant association between cosmopoliteness and adoption level of farmers was observed. Farmers with high level of cosmopoliteness were high adopters and vice-versa. Present findings were in conformity with the findings of Manju, V. (1997), Manju, S.P. (1996) and Preetha, L. (1997).
The reason that could be attributed to such a situation is that the cosmopoliteness plays an important role in adoption behaviour. The rationale is that greater contact with the larger society might have broadened the mental horizons of farmers, thus helping in adoption of new technologies.
Innovativeness and adoption
Innovativeness proneness and adoption were found to be positively and significantly associated. Innovation decision process necessarily require knowledge as first step for adoption of farm technology. The data in Table 10 indicated that 38.33 per cent of trained respondents belonged to high innovativeness category followed by medium (36.66%) and low (25.00%) innovativeness categories, respectively.
Risk orientation and adoption
Risk orientation was non-significantly related to the adoption level of the respondents. As discussed earlier that risk orientation depends upon individual’s ability to face uncertainty. This is influenced by his financial position or economic conditions. In present study nearly half of the respondents were found in low and medium risk orientation category. Irrespective of their financial conditions respondents differed in their overall knowledge level. This might have contributed to a non-significant between risk orientation and adoption.
The findings was in line with Meti (1998) and Nagaraj (2002).
Scientific orientation and adoption
The significant relationship was observed between scientific orientation and adoption of trained and untrained respondents significant relationship was observed for untrained respondents.
The possible reason for significant relationship may be due to the fact that respondents with more scientific outlook would be more willing to try latest technologies and hence adopt them in their fields.
The findings of the study were in conformity with the findings reported by Sinha et al., (1988).
The possible reason for non-significant relationship may due to the fact that untrained who are traditional and with less scientific outlook, they will never try the latest technologies, they always practice the same old technologies hence there is no relationship between scientific orientation and adoption of non-share-holders.
5.6 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ADOPTION LEVEL OF THE RESPONDENTS
From the Table 10 it is clear that there was positive and significant relationship between knowledge level and adoption of the respondents. This implies that as knowledge of individual increases regarding any technology or innovations they tend to adopt the practices to the full extent regarded that it is suitable to his field conditions.
The positive relationship could be attributed to the factors like innovativeness, scientific orientation, extension participation, mass media utilization, which directly or indirectly influence the thinking behaviour of an individual to acquire recent information regarding practice or innovation and inturn influence his adoption decision process.
5.7 CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN ADOPTION OF VERMICOMPOST PRACTICES
A perusal of data in Table 11 revealed that cent per cent of the respondents expressed unavailability of sufficient raw material and insufficient production of vermicompost as major constraint followed by lack of handling skills in use of vermiwash (71.67%) and financial problems to expand vermicompost enterprise (66.67%).
The possible reasons for the above constraints could be attributed to the dryland nature of farming where in it is very difficult to get sufficient agricultural waste material or crop residues as raw material for the preparation of vermicompost.
5.8 TRAINING NEEDS AS FELT BY THE FARMERS
A cursory look at data in Table 12 depicted that 41.67 per cent of the respondents expressed they need training on management of dairy and apiculture enterprise, followed by training required on management practices of sheep and goat rearing, dairy (38.33%), require more number of trainings on vermicompost and vermiwash (30.00%), training on medicinal and aromatic plants (18.33%) and training on preparation and use of bio-pesticides (13.33%).
The above findings could be attributed to the interest of the respondents in the above enterprises. Because of dry land nature of farming respondents were observed to practice subsidiary occupation like dairy, sheep and goat rearing, apiculture etc., which might have
prompted them to seek more information on technical aspects in the above enterprises so as to increase their economic level.
5.9 SUGGESTIONS AS EXPRESSED BY THE RESPONDENTS REGARDING VERMICOMPOSTING
The data in Table 13 highlighted the suggestions expressed by respondents such as develop community vermicompost pits to obtain sufficient raw material for vermicompost (100.00%), procedure to be made simple for availing subsidy schemes (88.33%), interest on loan should be reduced and procedures to be simplified (81.66%) and need more trainings on use of vermiwash (30.00%).
The reasons, which could be attributed to the above findings, may be the difficulty faced by the respondents in adopting the recommended practices in the field level, due to their smaller land holdings and average annual income which might have lead to the above suggestions.
VI. SUMMARY
Production of NPK fertilizers in India is less than the required amount and it is estimated that about 5 to 7 million metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer would be the shortfall in the next two decades (Bagyaraj, 2004). Organic manures such as vermicompost, compost and biofertilisers would form the source to bridge this concerning gap. Besides, the limitations of conventional agriculture have driven the Indian farmer to adopt alternate agricultural system that are sustainable. It is in this context that vermicomposting manure assumes greater practical significance.
The current problem we are facing is decline in production year after year i.e., 2004 it was 214 million tonnes while in 2005 it is 204 million tonnes. What we require today is to maintain present production and then increase slowly. Sustainability is lacking and key to sustainability is organic farming. Vermicomposting is a component of organic farming.
Training is an important input which will help farmers to practice techniques scientifically. Krishi Vigyan Kendras conduct trainings on different aspects to transfer technology. To bring sustainability in farm production through vermicomposting Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur, Karnataka is training farmers in its jurisdiction in this aspect. Keeping this in view the present study was designed with the following specific objectives.
1. To study the knowledge level of trained and untrained farmers with respect to vermicompost
2. To study the adoption behaviour of trained farmers about vermicompost technology
3. To study the personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the respondents
4. To study the constraints in adoption of vermicompost as perceived by the respondents
5. Training needs as felt by the farmers
THE SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ARE AS FOLLOWS
� Fifty per cent of trained and 66.66 per cent of the untrained respondents belonged to middle age category.
� Forty per cent of the trained and 35.00 per cent of the untrained respondents were educated up to college and high school respectively.
� Forty per cent of the trained and 43.33 per cent of the untrained respondents belonged to low annual income.
� Majority (95.00% trained and 96.66% untrained) respondents had main occupation as agriculture.
� Nearly 27.00 per cent of the trained and 38.33 per cent of the untrained respondents belonged to medium and semi medium land holding category respectively.
� Nearly 47.00 per cent of the trained and 45.00 per cent of the untrained respondents had high and medium extension participation respectively.
� Nearly an equal per cent (37.00% trained) and 38.33 per cent of the untrained respondents had high mass media participation.
� Medium cosmopoliteness was observed in 41.66 per cent of the trained and 33.33 per cent of the untrained respondents.
� Thirty nine per cent of trained and 50.00 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed high and low innovativeness respectively.
� Forty three per cent of trained and 41.66 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed medium risk orientation.
� An equal per cent of trained and untrained (43.33%) respondents possessed medium scientific orientation.
� More than half of the trained (53.33%) and 43.33 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed medium and low knowledge level respectively.
� Forty per cent of the trained respondents had high adoption.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY
The higher level of knowledge and adoption of trained farmers over that of untrained farmers with regard to vermicompost practices implied that the higher knowledge may be attributed to the training component. Thus there is a need for organizing training programme effectively on improved vermicompost practices for the benefit of large number of farmers.
It was interesting to note that irrespective of training, majority of the farmers did not adopt the practices related to vermiwash technologies. Thus there is a need to study these practices at farmers level and rectify the recommendations for their maximum adoption.
The results also indicated that, the trained farmers can be considered as special group of clientale by the local extension agency to promote diffusion of technology.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
1. The present study was conducted with a limited sample size. In order to derive wider generalization, a study with large sample size could be conducted.
2. Comparative studies on trainings conducted by various KVKs on vermicompost technology can be taken up to derive wider generalisations.
3. Case studies of successful vermicompost and vermiwash practicing farmers may be taken up.
4. Impact assessment of various training programmes conducted by KVKs can be studied.
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IMPACT OF TRAININGS CONDUCTED ON VERMICOMPOST BY KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA,
BIJAPUR
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE Respondent No:
PART-A I. General information 1. a. Name of the farmer : b. Name of the village : c. Name of the taluk : 2. Personal characteristics a. Age : Year b. Education : Illiterate/Primary/Middle/ High school/PUC/Degree c. Occupation: Main : Subsidiary : d. Family structure : (i) Family type : Nuclear/Joint (ii) Family size : Male____ Female____ Total___ 3. Land holding a. Type of land (in acres)
Sl. No. Type Area in acres
1. Dryland 2. Irrigated land
Total
4. Annual income
Sl. No. Source Income earned in previous year
1. Agriculture 2. Animal husbandry 3. Service 4. Business 5. Wage labour 6. Others (specify)
Total
5. Livestock possession
Sl. No. Livestock No
1. Buffalo 2. Cow 3. Sheep 4. Goat 5. Poultry 6. Bullocks 7. Other (specify)
7. Extension participation
1. Have you participated in any extension activities ? Yes/No
2. If yes, give details
Organised by Extension participation Sl. No.
Activities Regularly Occasionally Never Place Subject
1. Training 2. Demonstration 3. Field days 4. Extension tour 5. Krishi mela 6. Other (specific)
7. Mass media utilisation
Frequency use Sl. No.
Mass media Possessor/ subscriber Regular Occasionally Never
1. Radio General Agriculture
2. Television General Agriculture
3. Newspaper General Agriculture
8. Innovativeness
There are 3 set of statement, Form each set select 2 statement, one most agree and another most disagree
a. Most agree
Most disagree
i. I try to keep myself upto date with information on vermicompost practices but that does not mean that I try out all new methods on farm
ii. They talk of many vermicompost practices these days but who knows whether they are better than the old ones
iii. I feel restless till I try out a vermicompost practices, that I have heard about
b.
i. From time to time I have heard of several vermicompost practices and I have tried out most of them is the last year
ii. Usually I want to see the results my neighbours obtain before I try out the vermicompost practices
iii. Some how I believe that the traditional ways of farming are the best
c. i. I am cautious about trying a new practices
ii. After all, our fore-father were wise in their farming practices and I do not see any person for changing these old methods
iii. Often new farm practices are not successful, however, if they are promising I would surely like to adopt them.
9. Risk orientation
Degree of agreement Sl. No.
Statement Agree Undecided Disagree
1. A farmer should rather take more of a chance in making a good profit than to be content with a smaller but less risking profit
2. A farmer who is willing to take risk than the average farmer usually do better financially
3. It is good for a farmer to take risk when he knows his chance of success is fairly high
4. Trying as entirely new method in farming by a farmer involves risk but it is worth
5. A farmer should grow large number of crops to avoid greater risk involved in growing one or two crop
6. It is better for a farmer not to try new farming methods unless other have used them with success
10. Scientific orientation
Indicate your response expressing ‘agree’, ‘undecided’ and ‘disagree’ for following statements
Degree of agreement Sl. No.
Statement Agree Undecided Disagree
1. New methods of farming give better results than old method
2. The way our forefathers practiced the farming system is still the best way even today
3. Even a farmer with lot of experience in the farming should use the modern technology
4. Though it takes time for vermicompost to acquire it is worth the efforts
5. A good farmer experiments with new ideas in farming
6. Traditional methods in farming have to be changed in order to raise the level of living
11. Cosmopoliteness
Sl. No.
Purpose of visit Place of visit
Frequency of visit
Often Sometimes Seldom
1. Agriculture
2. Personal
3. Entertainment
4. General
Knowledge of the farmers with respect to vermicompost practices
Sl. No. Statement
1. Use of chemical fertilizer affects the soil
a. Physical property
b. Chemical property
c. Water holding capacity
d. All
2. Use of chemical fertilizers had bad effects on
a. Crops
b. Soil microbes
c. Human beings
d. All
3. Use of heavy dose of chemical fertilizers also badly affects
a. Soil
b. Water
c. Air
d. Environment
4. Use of chemical fertilizers
a. Crop resistance
b. Reduces Pest and disease incidence
c. Increase pest and disease incidence
d. All
5. Use of vermicompost improves
a. Soil structure and texture
b. Soil aeration
c. Soil microbial activity
d. All
6. Use of vermicompost increase
a. Water percolation in soil to deeper layer
b. Reduces the incidence of moisture to the crop
c. Both
d. None of these
7. Use of vermicompost loosen the soil there by
a. Increase availability of water to the crop
b. Easy movement of air in the soil
c. Both
d. None of these
8. Vermicompost will improve availability of
a. Micronutrients
b. Only major nutrients
c. Both
9. Vermicompost is suitable to
a. Only red soil
b. Only black soil
c. All types of soils
10. Vermicompost can be used in
a. Selected crop only
b. Only in kharif or rabi season
c. All crops and all season
Sl. No. Statement
11. Vermicompost is effective than FYM
a. Two times
b. Four times
c. 10 times
d. 4-10 time
12. Moisture retension capacity of vermicompost is _____ time more than the soil
a. 1 time
b. 10 times
c. 100 times
d. 3 times
13. Using vermicompost helps to
a. Increase the crop resistance to pest and disease
b. No change
c. Decrease the crop resistance to pest and disease
d. No idea
14. Shelf life of flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains
a. Increases with use of vermicompost
b. Decreases with use of vermicompost
c. No change
d. No idea
15. Pit size should be
a. 10 x 1 x 0.3 mt
b. 10 x 10 x 2 mt
c. 10 x 2 x 2 mts
d. None of these
16. Pit can be made
a. Only above the ground
b. Only below the ground
c. Both
17. Material used for construction of vermicompost pit is
a. Minajagi slab
b. Bricks
c. Cement bricks
d. All
18. Vermicompost pit is treated with chemicals
a. Chloropyriphos 2 ml/lt or methomyl or Bavistin
19. The pit should be filled
a. 15 days after pit formation
b. One week after pit formation
c. Immediately after pit formation
d. No idea
20. Materials used for filling up of pits
a. Any agriculture wastes
b. Waste paper and plastics
c. Only crop residues
d. A and B
21. Pits can be filled
a. As per convenience
b. Layer wise
c. There is no definite procedure
d. No idea
Sl. No. Statement
22. Worms are released to pit
a. Immediately after filling the pit
b. 7 days after filling the pit
c. 15 days after filling the pit
d. After decomposed matter
23. The pit can be watered
a. Daily
b. Once in week
c. Once in 15 days
d. Looking to optimum moisture level
24. Vermicompost is ready for harvesting in
a. 2 months after leaving the worms
b. 3 months after leaving the worms
c. 6 months after leaving the worms
d. No idea
25. Before harvesting of vermicompost
a. Watering should be stopped one month prior to harvesting
b. Water should be stopped 15 days prior to harvesting
c. Watering should be stopped a week prior to harvesting
d. No idea
26. Do you know preparation of vermiwash
a. Yes
b. No
27. What are the advantages of vermiwash
a. It acts as a growth harmone
b. It decreases pest and disease incidence to crop
c. It contain major and micro nutrients
d. No idea
28. Materials used for storage vermiwash
a. Cement
b. Plastic drum
c. Mud pot
d. No idea
29. Proportion of vermiwash dilution in water
a. 1:10
b. 1:20
c. 1:4
d. 1:6
30. Protection of earthworms from enemies
a. Neem cake
b. Neem leaf extract
c. Chadurang powder
d. Others
Adoption of recommended practices of vermicompost
Sl. No. Statements Response
1. Points considered for selection of site
2. Pit size (10 x 1 x 0.3 mts)
3. Materials used for pit construction
4. Pit position : Below the ground/ above the ground
5. Raw materials used for filling the pit
6. Sequential method of filling the pit as per the procedure
7. Leaving the worms to the pit
8. Method of watering
9. Harvesting of vermicompost
10. Method of harvesting
Constraints in adoption of vermicompost technology a. b. c. d. Training needs as felt by the respondents a. b. c. d. Suggestions expressed by the respondents
a. b. c. d.
IMPACT OF TRAININGS CONDUCTED ON VERMICOMPOST BY KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA,
BIJAPUR
SUNIL N. KHARATMOL 2006 Dr. MANJULA N. (Major Advisor)
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted during 2005-06 under the jurisdiction of KVK, Bijapur. The
purpose was to analyse the impact of trainings conducted on vermicompost by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bijapur, with special importance to the knowledge and adoption of vermicompost technology, personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of trained and untrained farmers.
The highlight of the study was that more than half of the trained (53.33%) and 43.33 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed medium and low knowledge level respectively. Forty per cent of the trained respondents had high adoption.
Nearly 47.00 per cent of the trained and 45.00 per cent of the untrained respondents had high and medium extension participation respectively. Nearly an equal per cent (37.00% trained) and 38.33 per cent of the untrained respondents had high mass media participation. Medium cosmopoliteness was observed in 41.66 per cent of the trained and 33.33 per cent of the untrained respondents.
Thirty nine per cent of trained and 50.00 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed high and low innovativeness respectively. Forty three per cent of trained and 41.66 per cent of the untrained respondents possessed medium risk orientation. An equal per cent of trained and untrained (43.33%) respondents possessed medium scientific orientation.
A positive and significant relationship was observed between knowledge level and education, extension participation, mass media participation, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness and scientific orientation in case of trained respondents. While, a positive and significant relationship was observed between education, extension participation, mass media participation in case of untrained respondents.
A positive and significant relationship was observed between adoption level and education, extension participation, mass media participation, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness and scientific orientation.