Knowledge of Wheat Growers Regarding Improved Wheat Production Technology in Jamui District of Bihar, India

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of wheat growers regarding improved wheat production technologies in Jamui district of Bihar. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 120 respondents from 12 villages across two blocks. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule. The results revealed that 56.66% of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge, while 25% had low knowledge, and 18.34% had high knowledge. Farmers exhibited the highest knowledge regarding sowing time (90.56%), irrigation management (88%), and harvesting (75.34%). Practices like plant growth regulators (45.37%) and intercropping (56.76%) had relatively lower knowledge levels. Correlation analysis showed that variables like age, caste, education, risk orientation, scientific orientation, and extension contact had a significant positive correlation with knowledge level. Annual income, marital status, land holding, family type, and family size exhibited a positive but statistically insignificant correlation, while economic motivation showed a negative correlation with knowledge level. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services, educational programs, and promoting scientific orientation and risk-taking ability among farmers to enhance their knowledge and facilitate the adoption of improved wheat production technologies, ultimately leading to increased productivity in the region.