Analysis of Factors Influencing Farmers’ Knowledge on Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation

Abstract

This study to analyse the factors affecting farmers’ knowledge towards RCTs was conducted in Imphal West district of Manipur state, India with 120 sample size selected through proportionate random sampling from 10 villages in the district. Data collection from the selected respondents was made with the help of pre-tested structured schedule through personal interview method. The study reveals that over half of the respondents had medium level of knowledge about resource conservation practices in rice cultivation followed by low and high levels. Except the practices like seed selection, sowing and transplanting, soil fertility and nutrient management and water management, majority respondents had no knowledge on the various recommendations of the remaining five practices related to resource conservation in rice cultivation. The study further shows that out of 11 independent variables under study, except age all the variables were found having positively significant relationship with the knowledge level of the respondents. While four variables namely, annual income, extension contact, mass media exposure and innovation proneness had emerged as the most dominant factors influencing to the increase of knowledge level of farmers towards resource conservation technologies in rice.