An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Scientific Farming on Farm Practices, Crop Yield and Capacity Building Among KVK Beneficiary Farmers

Abstract

The present study was conducted during in the Kalyan Karnataka region covering four districts, namely Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir and Bidar. An ex-post facto research design was followed to assess the impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) on the adoption of scientific farming practices by beneficiary farmers. A multistage purposive random sampling technique was employed for the selection of respondents. From the selected districts, twelve taluks and twenty-four villages were identified and a total sample size of 240 KVK beneficiary farmers was selected. Keeping in view the objectives of the study, a structured interview schedule was developed, pre-tested in a non-sample area and standardized accordingly. The required data were collected through personal interviews and were coded, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using suitable statistical tools. The results of the study revealed that scientific farming interventions through KVKs had a significant and positive impact on the behavioural attributes of farmers. The knowledge level of respondents increased from 45to 85per cent, while adoption of scientific farming practices doubled from 40to 80per cent. Farmers’ attitude towards scientific farming improved from 50 to 88 per cent and skill enhancement increased from 35 to 80 per cent. Decision-making ability and problem-solving capacity showed sharp increases from 30 to 75 per cent and from 25 to 70per cent respectively. The adoption of scientific farming practices resulted in remarkable gains in crop productivity. Cotton yield increased from 5.43 to 8.50 qtl/acre, chilli from 4.11 to 14.29 qtl/acre, paddy from 10 to 15qtl/acre and maize from 8.00 to 18.27 qtl/acre. Participation in capacity-building activities also increased, with ICT-based learning rising from 15 to 55 per cent and Farmer Field School participation from 8 to 30 per cent. The study clearly establishes the effectiveness of KVKs in promoting scientific farming, enhancing productivity and empowering farmers in the region.