Knowledge of Sericulturists on Organic Farming Practices in Chickballapur District

Abstract

A survey on the knowledge of sericulturists on adoption of organic farming practices in Chickballapur district of Karnataka revealed that majority (44.16%) of the sericulturists had low knowledge about organic farming practices followed by medium (35.83%) and high (20.00%) knowledge, respectively. With respect to the recommended individual organic farming practices, majority of sericulturists had correct knowledge about application of FYM (88.33%) and use of Ankush (82.50%). None of the sericulturists (100%) had correct knowledge about use of Tank silt, Seri-VAM, Seri-nematoguard, FYM + Neem Cake +Marigold intercrop in mulberry and use of Nysolynx thymus to control uji pest. Only negligible percentage of sericulturists had correct knowledge about use of Seri-bioguard (0.83%), Sunhemp as green manure (1.67%), Seri-mildew guard (1.67%), Seri-comporich (2.50%) and Azatabacter biofertilizer (2.50%). Out of 11 variables studied, four variables viz., family size, land holding, area under mulberry and social participation had positive and significant relationship with knowledge of sericulturists. All these variables have explained only 72.60 per cent variation in knowledge of sericulturists. Hence, it is necessary to intensify extension activities like group discussion meetings, training programmes, field visits, demonstrations etc., to enhance the knowledge of the sericulturists on organic farming practices. This will result in desired level of adoption of organic farming practices among sericulturists.