Profile Characteristics of Paddy Farmers in Telangana State, India

Abstract

Agriculture caused significant harm to the environment for a long time. More acreage, fertiliser and pesticides were used to boost the output. Sustainable development is one that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. According to study, a number of factors can affect a farmer's decision to adopt sustainable practises. The research investigation employed Ex-post-facto-research design as the event has already happened. The present study aimed to assess the profile characteristics of farmers on Paddy farming sustainability and adoption of recommended sustainable farming practices comprising the data from three different zones of the Telangana state. Three districts namely Nizamabad, Khammam and Nalgonda from each zone of Telangana state were selected for the purpose respectively during the year 2021. As these three districts account for Paddy area compared to other districts. Purposive sampling technique was employed for data collection from 216 Paddy growing farmers by standardized and pre-tested interview schedule. Findings revealed that majority of the farmers were middle-aged (54.62 %), educated up to primary school (25.19 %), semi-medium in land holdings (25.32 %), followed by possessed medium level of income (55.56 %), mass media exposure (73.14 %), extension contact (56.10 %), extension participation (73.60 %), management orientation (71.75 %), scientific orientation (58.10 %), innovativeness (81.00 %), economic motivation (67.50 %), decision-making pattern (62.51 %), value orientation (52.79 %), level of aspiration (64.35 %) and risk orientation (53.20 %), whereas high level of farming experience (60.18 %), high farming commitment (54.62 %) and high achievement motivation (51.86 %). The policymakers should instruct researchers, extension specialists, NGO’s and field workers to serve as advisors, facilitators and collaborators for inspiring and empowering farmers to actively participate in solving issues related to sustainable farming cultivation practises. Hence, these variables have to be considered in promoting farmers among the farming community in the long run.