An Empirical Study of Farmers’ Knowledge and Attitudes toward Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Palnadu District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is essential for ensuring long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and livelihood resilience, particularly in developing agrarian economies like India. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and attitudes toward sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and examined the influence of selected socio-personal, socio-economic, and communicational factors. The research was conducted in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India, using an ex post facto design with a multistage random sample of 100 farmers. Data were collected through a pre-tested semi structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics and weighted mean scores. Results revealed that 82 per cent of respondents possessed high knowledge of SAPs, particularly in productivity-related dimensions, while knowledge regarding environmental stability was comparatively lower. All respondents exhibited a moderately favourable attitude, indicating acceptance but limited commitment to intensive adoption. Lower extension participation and perceived economic risks emerged as key constraining factors. The study highlights the need for targeted extension interventions and capacity-building initiatives to convert knowledge into sustained practice. The findings are context-specific and based on self-reported data, which may limit wider generalisation.