Information Sources and Social Participation in Technology Dissemination among Bottle Gourd Growers, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study examined the information sources utilised by bottle gourd growers and their level of social participation in Western Uttar Pradesh during 2025. A descriptive research design was adopted in Hapur and Amroha districts of the Meerut and Moradabad divisions. Four blocks and sixteen villages were selected, and 192 bottle gourd growers, comprising 96 respondents from each district, were chosen through random sampling. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean percentage scores, and ranks. Progressive farmers and neighbours were the most frequently utilised information source, with a mean percentage score of 88.02, followed by input dealers and government sale centres with 81.94. The Agricultural Department ranked third, whereas farmers’ fairs and exhibitions ranked last. Regarding social participation, 48.44% of respondents held no membership in any social or occupational organisation, 33.85% belonged to one organisation, and 17.71% belonged to more than one organisation. The results show that growers relied mainly on informal, nearby, and transaction-linked sources, while formal institutional, collective, and technology-enabled channels were used less frequently. Strengthening the visibility and accessibility of Krishi Vigyan Kendra services, cooperative societies, Farmer Producer Organisations, Kisan Call Centres, and digital advisory platforms may improve the reach of extension information and support technology dissemination among bottle gourd growers in the study area.