Adoption Outcomes of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture Technologies by Farmers in South India

Abstract

Rainfed areas are subjected to climate change through extreme weather events, decrease of water availability and decrease in agricultural productivity. The problem to be addressed is the limited access to and exchange of, information and knowledge related to agriculture and food security at local, national, and regional levels. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) act as a crucial player in technology assessment, refinement and demonstration. Technology adoption to be successful depends on successful technology assessment, refinement and demonstration. Hence, the role of KVKs is of paramount importance in the above processes. KVK Rangareddy district of Telangana state (South India) is attached to the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad. The study was conducted in three KVK adopting villages’ of Pudur mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana state. The objectives of the study are to assess the extent of adoption of KVK technologies, factors affecting and constraints in adoption; to assess the impact of KVK technologies in terms of improved productivity in crops, livestock, income levels of farm women; and to assess the gain in knowledge levels. A sample of 40 farmers each from adopting and non-adopting categories in the same villages was selected for data collection, thus, making a total sample of 240 farmers. The data was collected using a pre-tested interview schedule from the farmers. Focus group discussion and interviews were conducted to elicit data. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation, multiple linear regression and adoption indices). Final data was averaged from the three villages both for adopting and non-adopting category of farmers and presented. More than 60% adoption was recorded for production technology and stem borer management in maize; spacing and fertilizer management in cotton; and demonstration of perennial fodder hybrid Bajra Napier CO-4 etc. T-test scores showed significant higher mean values for adopters over non-adopters except in the case of the variable age. Adopters had better knowledge and adoption rates over non-adopters. Productivity of farmers increased between 33-57% with KVK technologies. Income levels of farm women increased three to four times based on the enterprise after adoption. Farmers’ adoption of technologies requires more concerted efforts in establishing mechanisms and traits including readiness of availability, ease of use, low cost, low labor requirement and time requirements of different technologies and their components. The adoption results of KVK technologies/interventions in case of non adopting category of farmers were found to be meager.