Imperatives of Technology Adoption Among Farmers Growing Horticultural Crops in Wokha District of Nagaland

Abstract

A study was undertaken in the state of Nagaland to examine the socio-economic & psychological characteristics of the respondents, level of technology adoption and its association with the selected variables. Ex-post facto research design was followed for the study. The study was conducted purposively in Wokha district of Nagaland comprising three blocks viz., Wokha, Bhandari and Wozhuro. Further 15 respondents from two villages each for Orange, Banana, Pineapple and Litchi crops were selected making a sample size of 120 respondents. Major fi ndings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents were middle aged (35-55 years), male, had medium size of family, primary level educated, had medium level information sources utilization, extension contact and experience in cultivation of selected horticultural crops. Most had small land holding size. The highest mean annual income and income from crop was highest for orange growers with Rs.179723.33 and Rs.138023.33 respectively. 99.17 per cent of the farmers were not exposed to training, had medium level of scientifi c orientation, risk orientation, knowledge level, favorable attitude towards improved practices and medium level adoption. Variablesfamily size, experience in cultivation, size of land holding, knowledge and attitude showed positive and signifi cant correlation with adoption of improved cultivation practices. The study recommends more exposure visits and need based training programmes for increasing awareness, knowledge and technological skills of farmers. Further the government should take initiative for strengthening marketing support, procurements and provide incentives to set up processing units thereby reducing post-harvest losses and eventually improving the socio-economic status of the concerned farmers.