Assessment of Knowledge Level of Farmers on Integrated Farming System in Rewa Division of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study explores farmers’ knowledge regarding the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model in Rewa Division, Madhya Pradesh, focusing on two districts—Satna and Rewa—selected for their prior engagement with IFS. A random sample of 320 farmers from four blocks and 16 villages was interviewed using a rigorously designed and pre-tested schedule. Responses were scored using a three-continuum scale (2 =fully/complete, 1 =partial and 0= no knowledge), and knowledge levels were classified into low, medium, and high based on mean and standard deviation. Quantitative analysis employed frequency, percentage arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and chi‑square tests. Results indicate that 59.07% of farmers had medium knowledge, 35% low, and only 5.93% high knowledge. Many farmers understood core IFS principles such as resource recycling and year-round income. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge levels and factors like age, education, farming experience, landholding size, mass‑media exposure, extension contacts, social participation, and innovativeness. These findings suggest that both experiential factors and information exposure play key roles in IFS knowledge among farmers.