Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Knowledge Level of PM-KISAN Scheme among Beneficiary Farmers: Study in Fatehpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Tushar Raghuvanshi — 2026-01-12

The present study was conducted in Fatehpur District of Uttar Pradesh state during 2023-24. To study the knowledge level of farmers about the PM KISAN scheme of the region by using simple random sampling techniques in Fatehpur District constituting a total sample of 360 respondents who are the beneficiaries of the scheme. It was inferred from the research that 27.50 per cent of respondents exhibited a low level of knowledge about the scheme, while 40.28 per cent of total respondents, fell into the medium category. A significant portion 32.22 per cent demonstrated a high level of Knowledge. The findings suggest that 36.38 per cent of beneficiaries fully understood the scheme's purpose whereas 21.95 per cent of respondents were not aware that the scheme is centrally sponsored. A very small portion of the population i.e. 26.95 per cent of the population correctly recognised the responsibility of the state government in identifying the list of the eligible farmers. This trend indicates that although beneficiaries are availing the advantages of the PM KISAN scheme, there remains a lack of awareness regarding some basic aspects. Therefore, the government may consider implementing targeted awareness programmes to ensure a clear understanding of the scheme's components, eligibility criteria and available benefits, enabling farmers to utilize the scheme more effectively.

Knowledge Level of Rural Youth towards ARYA Scheme: A Comparative Study of Beneficiaries and Non-beneficiaries in Kaushambi District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Jayati Singh — 2026-01-01

The present study was conducted in Kaushambi District of Uttar Pradesh state during 2023-24. To study the knowledge level of farmers about the ARYA scheme of the region by using Purposive Sampling techniques in Kaushambi district, constituting a total sample of 320 respondents, amongst which 160 are beneficiaries and 160 are non-beneficiaries of the scheme. It was inferred from the research that among the beneficiaries,48.75 per cent had a high level of knowledge, followed by a medium level of knowledge, i.e. 31.88. In contrast, 40.62 per cent of non-beneficiaries had a medium level of knowledge, followed by low level of knowledge, i.e. 36.26 per cent. For a claim that suggests ARYA schemes help to improve “Skills” in Rural Youth 45.62 per cent had a high level of knowledge, whereas among non-beneficiaries it was found to be 20.00 per cent. The finding suggests that while ARYA scheme has made an impression in terms of general awareness and its focus on skill development, significant gaps remain in the understanding of its financial provisions and other relevant information. The findings of the study have important implications for extension agencies, policymakers, and implementing institutions. The study underscores the significance of need-based trainings, effective communication channels, and follow-up to strengthen existing knowledge gaps, particularly to financial aspect and entrepreneurial components.

Impact of Chemical Fertilisers on Productivity, Profitability, and Farmers' Environmental Perception in Boro Rice Farming in Bogura District, Bangladesh

Farheen Anjum Chowdhury — 2026-01-05

In developing countries, rice is the most important crop in terms of both overall output and the number of consumers who rely on it as a staple diet. Carbohydrates make up the majority of rice grains, with proteins, fat, vitamins, and dietary fibres following. This study was done with the objective of analysing socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, identifying the impact of using chemical fertilisers on crop production, and assessing the perception of farmers regarding chemical fertilisers on the environment. In this study, primary data were collected from Sonatala Upazila of Bogura district of Bangladesh, where 50 Boro rice farmers were interviewed randomly with a structured questionnaire. The duration of data collection was from March to April 2020. Descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas production function, and Fishbein attitude model have been used for analysing data. The t-test indicates a significant difference between the fertiliser used, yield, costs, and returns of Boro rice production comparing the present time and ten years ago. The Cobb-Douglas production function identifies that, along with other variables, chemical fertilisers have a significant impact on production. The results also indicate that the overall attitude score (Ao) was found to be -1.354, indicating that farmers’ attitude about using chemical fertilisers on the environment is not positive in Boro rice production. The results emphasise promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the efficient use of inputs, the adoption of modern technologies, and better management practices. Therefore, policy efforts should focus on strengthening agricultural extension services, providing farmers with training on optimal input use, pest management, and sustainable soil fertility practices.

Assessment of the Socio-Economic Factors and Constraints Influencing Social Media Usage among Livestock Farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India

Mithun G — 2026-01-15

Aim: This study examined the personal and socio-economic characteristics of livestock farmers and identified constraints they face when using social media as an information source. With growing digital adoption in rural areas, understanding how livestock farmers engage with social media for agricultural information and the barriers they encounter has become increasingly important for effective extension services.

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the personal and socio-economic profiles of livestock farmers and identify the key constraints limiting their effective use of social media as an information source for livestock management and development.

Methodology: An ex-post-facto research design was employed across three geographical regions of the state: Coastal, North Coastal and Rayalaseema. Using purposive and random sampling techniques, 540 livestock farmers (180 from each of the dairy, sheep/goat and backyard poultry sectors) were selected from 27 mandals across nine districts. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the farmers were middle-aged (61.11%), male (71.85%), moderately educated and had substantial experience in livestock farming. Farmers are increasingly adopting digital technology, as seen by their high mobile phone ownership (100%) and moderate-to-high social media exposure (73.33%). Farmers demonstrated medium levels of achievement motivation, information-seeking behaviour, scientific orientation and economic motivation, suggesting a readiness to adopt improved practices. However, major constraints hindered effective social media use, including information overload (77.59%), poor network connectivity (68.88%), misinformation (61.48%), limited digital skills (51.66%) and high data costs (48.33%).

Significance: The study concludes that while social media offers significant potential for livestock extension, addressing infrastructural gaps, improving digital literacy and providing credible region-specific content are crucial for maximising its effectiveness in supporting sustainable livestock development and rural livelihoods. Rural digital infrastructure investments, targeted digital literacy programs for farmers and mechanisms to deliver verified, localized livestock information through social media platforms should be prioritized by policymakers and extension agencies.

Assessing Farmers’ Awareness and Adoption of Soil Health Cards (SHC) in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

A. Manoj — 2026-01-20

The present study was conducted with an objective to study the farmers’ perception and adoption of Soil Health Card (SHC) in Guntur district. A total of 90 farmers were selected for the study. The results revealed that majority (45.56 %) of the respondents were in 36 – 54 years age group with primary school education (40.00 %) and farming as a sole occupation (74.44 %), with more than 30 years of experience in farming (50 %), having land holding of 1 to 5 acres (38.89 %) with annual income of 1 lakh to 2 lakh (45.56 %), neighbors (41.11 %) as major source of information, nuclear type of family (95.56 %) with family size up to 5 members, having occasional information seeking behaviour (71.11 %), had no membership in any organization (90.00 %) and majority of them used complex fertilizers (93.33 %) in their farming. It is evident from the study that Majority of the farmers had medium (56.67 %) level of perception followed by high (28.89 %) and low (14.44 %) level perception. Whereas, in case of adoption of soil Health card results, majority of the farmers had low (45.56 %) level of adoption followed by medium (36.67 %) and high level of adoption (17.78 %) respectively. In order to give healthy soil for future generations, todays’ farmers need to practice Integrated Nutrient Management practices with optimum fertilizers as per the SHC results is inevitable. Which not only retains the soil fertility but also provides sustainable income for the farmers.

Development of Scale to Assess the Attitude of Farmers towards Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) in Mitigating Climate Change

G. Dwithi — 2026-01-27

Indian agriculture continues to face major risks due to unpredictable climatic conditions, which makes timely and trustworthy information essential for farmers to make resilient decisions. In this context, ICT tools have become valuable resources by offering alerts, advisories, and practical solutions that support farmers in dealing with climate-related challenges. To understand farmers’ attitudes toward using these tools, a Likert summated rating scale technique was used to develop an attitude scale. Using insights from extension experts and previous research, 80 statements were initially drafted. After applying Edwards’ criteria to refine the items, 15 statements were deleted, leaving 65 statements for further evaluation. These 65 items were then rated for relevancy by a panel of 100 judges. Based on their ratings, Z-values were calculated, resulting in the selection of 32 statements. These 32 items were subsequently administered to 60 farmers in Prakasam and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and the farmers responded using a five-point agreement scale. Item analysis was conducted by computing t-values for all statements. 18 statements with t-values greater than 1.75 were identified as strong discriminators and therefore included in the final scale, consisting of 13 positive and 5 negative statements. The split-half reliability coefficient (r = 0.74) and cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.78 was significant at the required level, confirmed that the scale is reliable for assessing farmers’ attitudes toward ICT tools.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures on Food Security

Yasa Sirilakshmi — 2026-01-27

Climate change poses a profound threat to global food security through disruptions in agricultural productivity caused by rising temperatures, erratic weather, and extreme events. These changes undermine crop yields, water availability, and ecosystem resilience, disproportionately affecting smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities. This paper examined the importance of adaptation and mitigation strategies, including sustainable agriculture, water management, renewable energy adoption, and early warning systems, to enhance resilience in food systems. Integrating these approaches is crucial to safeguarding food availability, accessibility, and nutrition, ensuring sustainable development and climate resilience amid escalating climate risks.