The Knowledge of Improved Onion Production Practices of Farmers in Gaya, District in Bihar

Abstract

A study was conducted in Gaya District of Bihar during the 2022-23 period to assess the level of knowledge among farmers regarding improved onion production practices. The study selected a total of 120 respondents from five villages within the Bodhgaya block, based on the high concentration of onion growers in the district. The data was collected through personnel interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule and subsequently analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (62.5%) belonged to the middle age range, and 43.33% of them had marginal land holdings. Most respondents had a moderate level of extension contact, scientific orientation, risk orientation, and economic motivation. Additionally, 64.17% of the respondents exhibited a medium level of knowledge regarding onion production practices. The respondents displayed a good understanding of topics such as soil types, ploughing, farmyard manure (FYM) application, onion varieties, seed treatment, sowing time, nursery transplanting, seed rate, weeding and hoeing, and the suitable season for growing and harvesting onions. However, they had relatively less knowledge about seed treatment and nursery transplanting. Furthermore, factors such as age, educational qualifications, family size, housing patterns, land holdings, annual income, extension contact, source of information, scientific orientation, economic motivation, and risk-bearing capacity showed positive and significant correlations with the knowledge levels of onion growers. In summary, the study demonstrated that farmers in the Gaya District of Bihar had varying levels of knowledge regarding improved onion production practices. While they possessed a good understanding of certain aspects, there were areas where their knowledge could be further enhanced.