Knowledge of Farmers on Organic Farming in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The natural resources are considered as valuable assets of the nation and for their sustainable agricultural development, proper planning and management of these resources are essential. In this context, the present study was conducted in Hamirpur district of Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh for assessing the knowledge of farmers regarding organic farming practices. The research applied an ex-post facto research design. A total of 120 respondents were selected from the two blocks by simple random sampling in proportion to size of the sample from selected villages. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule consisting of 22 knowledge items on various aspects of organic farming such as organic inputs, farmyard manure, vermicompost, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, organic certification, disease management, alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides and marketing management. The data collected were analysed by frequency, percentage, mean and ranking method. The results revealed that most of the respondents had medium level of knowledge of organic farming (81.66%). Nine per cent (9.16) respondents had high level and 9.16 per cent had low level of knowledge. The study revealed that farmers have moderate level of awareness regarding organic farming practices but there is a need for effective training, extension support and awareness programmes to improve their knowledge and adoption of sustainable organic farming technologies in the Bundelkhand region.