Comparative Analysis of Socio-Economic and Psychological Characteristics of Farmers under Farmer FIRST Programme in Morena District, India

Abstract

The present study examined the Comparative analysis of the Farmer FIRST Programme on the socio-economic and Psychological Characteristics of Farmers in Morena District, Madhya Pradesh. An ex-post facto research design was employed with a sample of 120 farmers comprising 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using mean and standard deviation methods. The findings revealed that FFP beneficiaries were relatively younger, better educated and possessed larger landholdings compared to non-beneficiaries. Beneficiaries also reported higher annual income, greater use of information sources, stronger extension contact and higher exposure to mass media. In terms of psychological attributes, beneficiaries showed higher levels of economic motivation, scientific orientation and risk-taking ability. The results indicate that the Farmer FIRST Programme has contributed positively to improving farmers’ socio-economic conditions and strengthening their readiness to adopt innovative agricultural practices.