Influential Factors Shaping Farmers Knowledge Levels Regarding Critical Interventions in Dryland Farming in Drought Prone Region of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the profile, knowledge, and adoption of critical interventions among dryland farmers in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Ex post facto research design was followed for the study and a sample of 120 dryland farmers were drawn. The research focused on the association between 16 independent variables and dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions in redgram and cotton. The findings revealed that variables such as education, land holding, yield, annual income, extension contact, mass media exposure, information seeking behavior, social participation, credit orientation, risk preference, irrigation status, economic orientation, decision making ability, and cropping pattern were positively and significantly related to knowledge and adoption of critical interventions in both crops. Conversely, age and experience in dryland farming were negatively and significantly related to knowledge and adoption. The independent variables explained 85.20% of the variation in knowledge on critical interventions in redgram, 76.80% in cotton, and 74.70% and 72.80% in the extent of adoption of critical interventions in redgram and cotton, respectively. These findings suggest that addressing these factors can enhance dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions, ultimately improving productivity and sustainability. Specifically, increasing education, land holding, yield, and annual income, and promoting extension contact, mass media exposure, and social participation can positively impact knowledge and adoption. Additionally, improving credit orientation, risk preference, irrigation status, economic orientation, and decision-making ability can also enhance adoption. Conversely, addressing the negative impact of age and experience is crucial. Overall, this study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to enhancing dryland farmers' knowledge and adoption of critical interventions.